Dael Fry admitted wearing the captain’s armband for Middlesbrough and seeing a sign paying tribute to him made for an emotional opening day of the season for the Teessider.

Exactly ten years to the day that Fry made his Boro debut, he led his boyhood side out at the Riverside and starred as they got the season under way with a 1-0 win over Swansea City. As well as the vital part he played in helping Boro keep a clean sheet, he scored the decisive goal too.

Fry said: “I'm over the moon. To captain my hometown club, get a clean sheet and get the goal, it couldn't have gone any better. I feel like I'm definitely more experienced. Over the years I've been more reserved but now I'm an experienced pro and have played more than 250 games for Middlesbrough .

“I do see myself as a leader.

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