SCORING goals has been a problem for Middlesbrough all season.

Plenty fans will argue that is a result of Tony Pulis’ style of play, while the Boro boss would also have a point to highlight a long and expensive list of missed chances.

Either way, the fact remains Middlesbrough would be in a far greater position in the promotion race had they found the net more – and not one of Middlesbrough’s forwards has been able to grasp the situation and hold down the shirt.

Despite sitting fifth and in a play-off place, plus boasting a game in hand, Middlesbrough have only scored 40 this season; a record that only three clubs in the whole division have fewer.

Now Middlesbrough – who have also let standards drop defensively in recent weeks - must come up with a way to deliver in the final third.

Who might be able to give Middlesbrough a scoring boost in the run-in? Here’s a look at how the strikers are shaping up.

BRITT ASSOMBALONGA

The top scorer. That should be enough to get in the team shouldn’t it? If not, then maybe double figures should be?

That’s not the case. Assombalonga has the best strike ratio of all of his team-mates. He has 25 goals in his 52 starts and he has always been regarded as a striker with a ratio of a goal every two games, or just over.

The goals have dried up of late and he was frustrated – along with the fans – when he was taken off after disappointing against Brentford. That was during a five-match run of starts before he lost his spot against Villa. He has 12 goals his name but has struggled to convince Pulis he is the man.

JORDAN HUGILL

It seemed like a perfect homecoming for the former Boro bartender when he joined on loan from West Ham in June. It has not proved to be the case.

The 26-year-old has started 19 league games since joining and has chipped in with seven goals in his 35 appearances.

His work-rate means he is Pulis’ preferred starter, and was back in the team for the heavy defeat to Aston Villa. It seems highly unlikely he will be back next season unless the £8m man finishes with a flourish.

ASHLEY FLETCHER

The Manchester United graduate has found himself back in the thick of things of late in a move which highlighted how desperate Pulis was for a change of luck in front of goal.

Now it is the 23-year-old who arguably deserves to start more than the rest. He was getting better the more minutes he was having but was then surprisingly left out at Villa.

From his 20 appearances this season, only three of his seven goals have been in the league and they have arrived at the Riverside and in his last five starts. He does look better playing as a two or on the left of a three.

RUDY GESTEDE

Even though Gestede was Pulis’ preferred choice when he first took over in December 2007, the Benin international has never been able to work his way back into the team after a string of injuries.

Supporters are not keen on seeing him back in the mix, but he could yet be a bit of a wild card in the remaining games. He would suit the style Pulis likes to play but hasn’t looked confident in front of goal since arriving from Aston Villa in a £8m move.

Gestede’s last start for Middlesbrough in the Championship was in November. He has not scored this season.