What To Expect From Graeme Owens

Editor of BoroMania.com, Shaun Graham, has told us all about new signing Graeme Owens, and what we can expect from the winger...





'Graeme prefers his right foot but can play on either wing and has been playing left wing for the reserves due to England Youth International Jonathan Franks operating down the right. We actually play with 3 wingers in the reserve team with highly rated Nathan Porritt playing a more free role and Owens and Franks operating down the wings.

He is a very tricky and direct winger who likes to run at the full back and take him on, though he sometimes has a habit of trying too much - I'm hoping a spell on loan will improve that side of his game and get him to get his head up more and the release the ball earlier. He has a decent shot on him and he does like to get into the box looking for opportunities.

Gareth Southgate speaks highly of the lad and he was very highly rated as a kid, he seems to be getting too comfortable with reserve team football which is why I think it's a good move for him to go out on loan.

With the competition for places on the wings at Boro it will be a very difficult task for him to break into the first team. Downing is still here (for how long we don't know!), Adam Johnson, Nathan Porritt, Jonathan Franks and even young James Cronesberry are all competing wingers. I am very interested to see how he performs in the Championship and I think it is a crucial time for him in his development - hopefully he does well for Blackpool.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.