We thought initially that the August programme might be tough - but Middlesbrough may face their stiffest test so far at Preston North End.

After all, Preston have already beaten relegated sides Leicester City and Ipswich Town at Deepdale. That’s no mean feat considering that the Lilywhites have hardly splashed the cash in the transfer market this summer.

They have, however, brought in no less than a dozen new signings, one more than Boro , though the vast majority are either loan signings or on free transfers. The big threat from the Lilywhites comes up front, where the Montenegro international Milutin Osmajic has already scored three league goals.

Osmajic, who is Preston’s record signing for an undisclosed fee, is reported to be quite a character on the pitch and something of a hand

See Full Page