Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga scored a hattrick in his first game of pre-season last night, leaving many Reds fans very excited.

The 26-year-old had been given an extended break due to his involvement in the African Cup of Nations with DR Congo.

Assombalonga returned to the Boro first-team yesterday for their friendly against Salford City and did not disappoint.

The striker scored twice in the first half and then added his third after the break as he helped Jonathan Woodgate's side to a 3-1 win.

Assombalonga provided probably the highlight of the game when he slammed home a left-footed volley just before the half.

The forward has an impressive record in English football, having scored over 100 goals and found the net in every division between the National League and the Championship.

16 of those came last season for Boro and Woodgate will be hoping that Assombalonga can return to similar goalscoring form in the upcoming campaign.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Riverside this summer, with Celtic and Bristol City among the sides thought to be interested, but Woodgate said yesterday he is confident the striker will stay.

That news will likely be music to the ears of Boro fans and many of them appeared very excited following yesterday's performance.

Read the reaction of Reds supporters here: