Edwards provides injury update for Saints trip

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before his side's visit to Southampton on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Here are the main talking points:

• George Edmundson's eye has not suffered any structural damage and he's trained this week. Saturday's game will come "too soon" for Dael Fry but Edwards is hopeful he will be available at some point next week.

• Edwards also hopes Darragh Lenihan will be back available in the coming weeks and admits it's been "tough" for the 31-year-old after suffering another injury setback.

• Boro have recorded their best league start in 149 years, a special achievement which builds belief at the club and, Edwards says, makes it easier to battle through any downturns in form that may come.

• Edwards praised his side's versatility and ability to score different kinds of goals. Attacking set-pieces were previously a Boro weakness but hard work in that area has reaped rewards, with four goals from such situations in six games.

• Luke Ayling has slotted into the right centre-back role seamlessly despite normally playing as a full-back and hopes that thriving in the Middlesbrough back-line will prolong his career. Edwards describes Ayling as "a great guy with a fantastic personality".

• There are no plans to appoint one individual as club captain following the departure of Jonny Howson this summer. The armband has been shared by Dael Fry, Aidan Morris and Ayling this season with the aim of promoting more leadership with in the group.

• On coming across former Boro midfielder Finn Azaz: "We're well aware of what he can do." But Edwards said his side will have to be vigilant about the entire Southampton front-line who have lots of quality.

Listen to the full interview with Edwards and more on Middlesbrough on Sounds.