Source: Northern_Echo
Mowbray casts his Boro net across the market
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Tony Mowbray will run the rule over a number of trialists in the remaining two months of the season as he attempts to steal a march on his rivals in the transfer market.[LNB] Midfielder Luke Dobie made a 16-minute substitute appearance for Boro reserves on Wednesday afternoon, having been released by Everton earlier this season.[LNB] The 18-year-old will not be offered a contract at this stage, with Mowbray keen to have a first-hand look at a number of players as he begins to turn his attention towards the summer transfer window.[LNB] There will be a large number of domestic and European players becoming free agents, and the boss is compiling a list of potential targets.[LNB] "It (Dobie's trial) was done through the reserve-team coach and Academy people," said Mowbray. "I've had a look at him, but it's so far no more than that.[LNB] "If players fit the criteria, we will have a look at them. Everyone knows we will not be out there spending money on players, so if there are young lads who, like Dobie, are not going to get a contract at their clubs, we will have a look.[LNB] "There are lots of players across Europe who we will look at. There are agents all telling me about players who are not getting a deal for whatever reason.[LNB] "I don't take players in blind, I like to see them with my own eyes, rather than viewing an agent's footage, which will be just the best bits.[LNB] "There'll be a few players coming in between now and the end of the season, although we have to bear in mind where we will be next season in terms of finances."[LNB] With eight games to go, Mowbray is combining his long-term planning with his preparations for the final month of the season.[LNB] Middlesbrough's injury list has shrunk markedly recently, with Matthew Bates and Nicky Bailey both expected to be available for tomorrow's trip to Sheffield United.[LNB] Barry Robson is unlikely to face the Blades, although he has returned to full training following last weekend's lay-off with a hamstring injury, while Kevin Thomson will not be risked as he steps up his recovery from a leg problem.[LNB] Thomson has not been involved with the first team since New Year's Day, and it had been feared he would be forced to sit out the remainder of the season.[LNB] Those fears have been allayed, and having worked with the Scotland international during his time at Hibernian, Mowbray is looking forward to having him back.[LNB] While Bailey's combative qualities have been important in recent months, the prospect of a midfield alliance between Thomson and Rhys Williams is an enticing one.[LNB] "I really like Kevin as a footballer," said Mowbray. "He was a top player when I had him before, and he has matured and developed, with a very assured touch on the ball. He is a really high-quality player and if we can get him back, we'll have a greater chance of winning games.[LNB] "He's back on the training ground and looking good, but the acid test is getting him back on the pitch in a match where there's no hiding place in terms of going into tackles.[LNB] "In training, you can look after yourself, but in a game it's much more competitive. He's looked a quality footballer in training, but he's not had to deal with the crunching tackles you get in competitive matches. In the past, the first hard tackle has been a problem for him."[LNB]
