MIDDLESBROUGH new boy Damia Abella believes he can learn from his first experience of Championship football after tasting defeat at Leeds United.

Abella was only confirmed as a Boro player on Saturday morning, with Aitor Karanka handing the Spaniard a start at Elland Road, and while he showed signs of promise, the 32-year-old was not yet up to speed with the Championship.

The former Barcelona and Real Betis right-back has been handed the number 2 shirt following his move from Osasuna, and Abella believes the best is still to come.

“It wasn’t easy for me because I don’t know my teammates yet,” admitted Abella after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Elland Road.

“I started pre-season late, so I haven’t played much. It’s just started though, so I need to keep working hard, and I will improve.

“I think it was a game that deserved to be a draw. It’s Leeds’ first match at home and they played hard. They had a bit of luck.

“ It was one shot from Tomas [Mejias] that he could not keep hold of, or push the ball away, and the striker was fast. We need to create more opportunities to score.”