Lankshear could be key for Boro promotion aims

[Getty Images] Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on promotion to Hull City in last season's Championship play-off final and the early signs for them this term is that they want to avoid the lottery of the play-offs. Kim Hellberg's side are second after nine games having lost just once. The latest win was against promotion rivals Wolves in a game which marked the 150th anniversary of the club - the winner scored by the hottest striker in the second tier, Will Lankshear. He has scored seven times in the league and looks a player of real quality. What made Tottenham sell him in the first place is a discussion for another day but what I can tell you is that he has a little bit of everything in terms of a forward. His latest goal with his head showed a level of technical ability far beyond his 21 years and indeed his own manager commented that he is "growing as a player and his finishing is on a different level". After Lankshear's goal, Boro showed a grit and determination to keep a very good Wolves side at bay and see out the victory. Indeed late on, Boro could have added to the tally with Kyle Joseph coming off the bench and producing an effort which came off the crossbar. It may be early days but the signs for Middlesbrough look good. And if Lankshear can stay fit and firing then the Premier League could be their final destination come May. It really could.