BENEATH the frustration of missing out on promotion back to the Premier League, the emergence of Curtis Main has given Middlesbrough a healthy bonus ahead of an uncertain summer at the Riverside Stadium.

When Main impressed on trial at this stage last year following his release from Darlington, Mowbray was quick to offer him a short-term deal in the hope he could eventually force his way on to the first team stage.

And during his first season the young striker from South Shields made 12 appearances as a substitute, scoring a couple of memorable goals in the victories at Millwall and Derby County.

The 19-year-old, prolific for the reserves, might have been hungry for a first start in the Championship, but he showed enough signs in his run outs to suggest he could have a big part to play next season.

"It has been a fantastic year for me," said Main, who had also been on trial at Hartlepool after Mark Cooper released him from non-league Darlington.

"I don't really feel like reflecting on my good year when you look at the team and the frustration we all feel for missing out on the play-offs. But I have to be happy with where I'm at now compared to where I was last year.

"I enjoyed playing in the Championship, once I got some minutes and got on the pitch. Hopefully I can do that a lot more next year. I never thought I would look out of place and I don't think I was.

"In fact that's not been the case at all. I just needed a break and hopefully build on the start I have had. I'm already looking forward to next season."

Main's was used as a substitute at Watford on the final afternoon, but it was too little too late. The defeat to the Hornets coupled with Cardiff's win at Crystal Palace prevented Middlesbrough from claiming a top six place. Since then West Ham and Blackpool have gone on to set up the play-off final at Wembley a week tomorrow.

"It was a disappointing way to end the season to say the least," said Main. "What else can I say after that? The lads were all gutted to have missed out.

"Obviously it was because of the whole season that we end up sitting where we did. Results did not go as we would have wanted them to go in the end; it was towards the back end of the season that cost us."

But Main, aware of how Mowbray values his potential at such a young age, said: "I'm really looking forward to next season. I think everyone will be out to go one better, possibly even automatic. Not just me.

"We will have to see what happens with everyone during the summer but we have to move on, look forward and build on this season."

Middlesbrough's young goalkeeper Connor Ripley has been named in the England Under-19s squad for the European Championships elite qualifying round.

Ripley has been included on an 18-man list for the games being staged at Deepdale, Preston, and Spotland, Rochdale, from May 25 to 30 when they face Montenegro, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Middlesbrough winger Luke Williams is on stand-by for the games, when England know they need to finish top of the four-man group to progress to the finals in Estonia in July.