Middlesbrough picked up a point in their Championship opener on Friday as they drew 3-3 at newly-promoted Luton in what was a very entertaining clash.

New boss Jonathan Woodgate was tasked with changing the style of play at Boro and he will have been pleased with what he saw, even if they didn't convince defensively.

Whilst a point away from home is a decent result, it was a frustrating end to the game as Britt Assombalonga missed a late penalty that would have given the Teesside outfit a 4-2 lead.

Nevertheless, the ex-England international will have taken a lot from his first game in charge and here we look at THREE things he will have learnt about his team...

The side have a lot of character

Kenilworth Road is not an easy place for visiting teams to go to, with the crowd right on top of you and the Hatters fans obviously made it a great atmosphere on Friday for their first game back in the second-tier for years.

So, a relatively young Boro side could have folded when they went 2-1 down in the 24th minute and with the hosts threatening to run away with the game.

But, Boro remained resolute, grabbing an equaliser before the break and played with a lot more composure in the second-half. Standing firm in that sort of environment will have shown Woodgate he can rely on this group.

New signings are still needed

Unfortunately for Woodgate, he will have also realised that his team needs improving.

They conceded too many chances to Luton and shipping three goals highlights that they aren't good enough defensively right now - something the manager will have feared after pre-season.

Woodgate has to rectify that before the deadline tomorrow.

The players are taking his ideas on board

One aspect that will have pleased Woodgate is the way the team played.

The former player took over from Tony Pulis and whilst Boro fans want results, changing the style of play was also a requirement after 18 months of direct, uninspiring football.

And, Boro proved they'd changed a lot on Friday. Of course, the defensive display was alarming but this was a Boro side that pressed well, attacked and scored three goals - and they should have had more.

Fans didn't see football like that under Pulis and it proves the group are on board with the change of philosophy.