Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga has revealed his happiness at becoming the club's record goalscorer this millennium.

Assombalonga netted his first goal of the season on Tuesday night, as 'Boro ran out 2-0 winners over Coventry City at the Riverside Stadium.

That goal was also the striker's 43rd in all competitions for the club, since his move from Nottingham Forest in 2017, a tally which sees him surpass Mark Viduka as the club's leading scorer for goals since the year 2000.

Speaking to the club's official website about breaking that record, Assombalonga said: "Yeah, it's a big achievement and my dad is probably somewhere smiling right now. It's just really nice to be in that category, and hopefully I can score many more."

Viduka spent three years with 'Boro between 2004 and 2007, during which time he scored 42 goals in 103 appearances in all competitions for the north east club.

Assombalonga by comparison, netted his 43rd goal for 'Boro, in his 137th appearance in total for the club.

The striker will now be looking to add to his tally further on Saturday afternoon, when his former club Forest make the trip to the Riverside Stadium.

The Verdict

When you compare the two here, you do have to feel that Viduka's record is slightly more impressive.

The Australian took nowhere near as many games to reach his tally for the club, and it is also worth remembering he was playing at a higher level during his time at the Riverside, with 'Boro still in the Premier League at that point.

Nevertheless, Assombalonga's record new record is still admirable, and highlights just how important he is to the club at this moment in time.

Indeed, when you consider how long Viduka's record had stood for, you do see just how big an impact Assombalonga has had at the club, in comparison to some of his attacking predecessors at the Riverside Stadium.