CARLOS DE PENA is pushing to make his Middlesbrough debut in Saturday afternoon’s game at Nottingham Forest, with team-mate Adam Clayton having been impressed with the Uruguayan’s efforts in training.

Having joined Boro in a £1.6m move from South American side Nacional on transfer deadline-day, de Pena was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Brentford.

The attacking midfielder is set to remain in the squad for today’s trip to the City Ground, with his strong grasp of English having helped him to settle into his new surroundings with a minimum of fuss.

“Carlos is very technical, and I am sure he will grace the surface soon,” said Clayton, who will continue to partner skipper Grant Leadbitter at the base of midfield this afternoon. “The gaffer has watched him train more than me.

“He is sharp and has nice touches. You never know how someone will adapt to the Championship, but if he can then great, he will be a good addition.”

Capable of playing in all three-attacking midfield slots, but likely to spend most of his time on the left-hand side, de Pena will bolster an attacking line-up that has already hit its straps in the early weeks of the season.

David Nugent has slotted seamlessly into the lead striker role following his move from Leicester, with Stewart Downing and Diego Fabbrini also having got onto the scoresheet in the opening seven league games of the season.

Cristhian Stuani boasts seven goals in all competitions despite only having made four starts, while Albert Adomah will be desperate to reclaim his starting spot after ending his first-team exile in fine style on Tuesday night.

“The gaffer has spent money to score goals, and they are doing their job,” said Clayton. “Long may it continue if those guys are doing their job and putting the ball in the net.

“We have the players up top now who can get the goals and make things happen. At the minute, things are going right so let’s keep going at Forest. If we can go to Forest and get three points, then it will be a fantastic start to the month before we face Leeds.”