Middlesbrough gave a run to the one-time Super Eagles invitee after impressing the coach
Chris Wilder has hailed the positive attitude shown by Chuba Akpom on his return to Middlesbrough after a loan spell in Greece.
Akpom was a surprise inclusion in Boro’s preseason games with Wilder explaining that the player understands the club’s position on his future.
Wilder said Akpom’s presence could mean to make up the number of players in the squad for preseason and not necessarily for the incoming season.
The reality of the club’s current situation, however, demands that the player is given decent opportunities as he’s just one of the few attacking options at the club at the moment.
Akpom featured in Middlesbrough’s friendly win over Olympique Marseille and are putting things together ahead of their season opener against West Brom next weekend.
“You’ve seen the numbers that we’re working with. At our football club at the moment, the situation as it stands is that we’re working with the numbers that we’ve got,” he was quoted as saying by the Northern Echo.
“That’s just the fact of the matter, although we’re trying incredibly hard to do some deals.
“Chuba’s attitude has been good, so he’s joined the group for the last couple of days. There’s no downside for him coming on, running about, and playing a part.
“He’s contracted to the football club. He understands where we’re at, and I understand where he’s at. We’ll just take it day by day, and then go from there.”
Akpom joined Middlesbrough in 2020 and has been sent on loan to Greece in the last season.