Joining Boro was right opportunity - Targett

On-loan Middlesbrough left-back Matt Targett has said that joining the club from Newcastle was the right opportunity.

The 29-year-old played just 20 minutes of Premier League football last season and is now hoping to get more minutes on the pitch.

"It's been a couple of years without regular football. Once Middlesbrough came up I thought it was the right opportunity. I want to be back enjoying playing my football again," he said.

Targett has plenty of Premier League experience having spent 14 of his 15 senior seasons in the top flight but said he relishing his chance in the Championship.

"I watch it [the Championship] quite a lot. I kind of know how it can be and how important it is to recover, get yourself right for the next game and keep momentum. I'm excited to be playing in the Championship," he added.

The wing-back has joined the Teessiders on a season-long deal and said he will see what happens once the season is over.

"It's one year and then see what happens. Hopefully I'll play plenty of football. Like I said to the club when I came here, I'm coming here to get promoted with this team. So that's the aim and we'll reassess at the end of the season.

"Looking back over the past few years I think they've just been a little bit short. They've not been short on much. We've got a good squad here and I think we're capable of pushing the top teams."