Middlesbrough have started the season in robust fashion and currently sit top of the Championship after an unbeaten start to the new campaign.

Tony Pulis has seen his side weakened after their play-off exploits last term and admitted after the opening day draw against Millwall, that his current team would not get promoted.

That comment doesn’t look to have aged well with his currently crop the early pace setters in the division.

Since the stalemate at The Den on the opening day, Boro have embarked on a run of three straight victories and sit atop the summit of the Championship, one point clear of second-placed Leeds United.

No start is perfect, and there will almost certainly be causes for concern for Pulis who will be looking to go one better this year and earn promotion to the Premier League.

With that said, here are three issues that will be troubling Pulis and need to be looked at as a matter of urgency.

The striker has made it three goals in four league games and is striking up a solid partnership with Britt Assombalonga in the attack.

His future is still very much unclear with Pulis explaining he could leave if the right deal comes along. 

Keeping hold of a refreshed Martin Braithwaite will be crucial for Boro this season.

A headache being the up in the air future of a player who has been bang in form at the start of the season who could potentially be vital to the success of the side.

Pulis needs to remedy the situation and make a statement of intent and get the striker to remain at the Riverside for the forseeable future.

The Ashley Fletcher situation must be a source of frustration for Tony Pulis.

The striker has seen playing time limited due to the form of Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithwaite, but he has impacted during his role as a substitute.

The dilemma for Pulis is Fletcher could well deserve a start after solid substitute appearances, but who does he drop in place of the former West Ham player?

With the double loan swoop from Everton almost complete, how will Tony Pulis add these two Premier League stars into his side?

The current form of his team has lead to an unbeaten start, and since the Millwall draw, three wins on the spin.

Boro look organised and balanced and Pulis will have a job on adding his two loan stars without upsetting the current blend his side have after a cracking start to the season.