(Image: Trevor Wilkinson)
(Image: Trevor Wilkinson)
KIM Hellberg says Ashley Phillips is unlikely to be involved for Middlesbrough in tomorrow night's Carabao Cup second round tie at Doncaster as the new signing continues to work on his fitness.
Boro were thrilled to land Phillips on a permanent deal from Tottenham a week ago but with the centre-half having not benefited from a full pre-season Hellberg is reluctant to rush him into action.
He wasn't involved in in Saturday's Championship game at Blackburn and Hellberg says he doesn't expect the 21-year-old to feature tomorrow night, though said there's a possibility he'll be in the squad for the league game at home to West Brom this weekend.
Asked how far Phillips is from being ready to play after the defeat at Ewood Park, Hellberg initially said: "Far."
Pressed on when he might get his first taste of action, the head coach replied: "I don't think [Doncaster], maybe next Saturday. He's a bit away."
RECOMMENDED READING:
Middlesbrough truth after Blackburn defeat as Hellberg makes press conference plea
'Not good enough': Kim Hellberg's verdict on what cost Middlesbrough at Blackburn
How Middlesbrough signed 'mega footballer' - a transfer 'gift from the gods'
Hellberg said David Strelec will "hopefully" return to the squad at Doncaster.
The striker has missed the first three competitive games of the season with an injury picked up in the summer and there's now uncertainty surrounding his future after reports in Europe emerged last week claiming he'd agreed personal terms with PAOK.
That came as news to Boro's head of football Kieran Scott, who told BBC Tees on Thursday night that the club had received no contact from the Greek club. Getafe have also been linked this summer.
Boro will be looking to bounce back tomorrow night after suffering their first defeat of the season at Blackburn on Saturday.
Despite the frustrating 2-1 loss, one positive for Boro was Jeremy Sarmiento's first goal in red.
The winger endured a difficult first few months on Teesside after joining initially on loan in January, but has made a promising enough start to the campaign after his first full pre-season with the club.
Hellberg said: "He's one of those who's trained and been with us from the first day.
"There haven't been many but he's been using that time to get physically strong. All of our players will be in time.
"It was very difficult to evaluate him last season after coming in from not playing. That's the thing so many players are feeling now and the challenge is to get them on board.
"But he looks fit, strong, electric, all of those things, and it's a good goal from him. We're sad it didn't give us more in terms of points but it was important for him."