MIDDLESBROUGH had to make do with a point from their opening game of the new Championship season at Preston North End this afternoon.

Boro, parading new recruits Stewart Downing, Cristhian Stuani and Diego Fabbrini, had their chances to claim the victory at Deepdale but came up short in the final third and finished with a goalless draw.

Preston also had opportunities, with Joe Garner heading wide late on and George Friend clearing one off the line from Will Keane in the first half, so Aitor Karanka should be satisfied with a point in the end.

There was also an encouraging display from 17-year-old debutant Dael Fry at the heart of the defence, which bodes well for the future even though Ben Gibson should not be sidelined for too much longer with a hamstring problem.

PRESTON NORTH END (3-4-1-2): Pickford; Clarke, Huntington, Wright; Vermijl (Humphrey 77), Welsh, Johnson, Cunningham; Gallagher; Keane (Hugill 83), Garner. Subs: James (gk), Kilkenny, Woods, Browne, Brownhill.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1): Konstantopoulos; Kalas, Ayala, Fry, Friend; Clayton, Leadbitter (Forshaw 87); Adomah, Downing, Reach (Fabbrini 60); Kike (Stuani 76). Subs: Mejias (gk), Carayol, Stephens, Nsue.