Jonathan Woodgate is confident of keeping hold of Britt Assombalonga and believes he will play a vital role next season.

Assombalonga has attracted interested from several clubs this summer, but Woodgate is confident his main striker will be a key asset for his side from the get-go, as well as in the future.

Speaking to the Boro media team after his side's 3-1 defeat of Salford, in which Assomablonga scored a hat trick, he said:

“Britt Assombalonga is a Middlesbrough player for the future. And now.

"Britt will score you goals wherever he plays. His record shows it. If he gets an arm around him, gets that confidence he will score goals."

"He’s that sort of player who I’ll give confidence to, I’ll give confidence to all my players, I’ll always give a well done."

Woodgate, therefore, could be a welcome change for the squad, who had previously experienced the tough man-management style of Tony Pulis.

A confident Assombalonga is a scary proposition for Championship sides to deal with, and he is only going to improve by learning from Boro assistant manager Robbie Keane.

His hat trick consisted of three different types of goals and could be a sign of things to come this season, and if Woodgate can get him scoring regularly then his team should challenge for promotion.

The Verdict

Assombalonga is pivotal to Boro's chances of success next season. He is the player the team will rely on to score goals, and he needs to impress if he is to repay his £15m price tag, as he hasn't been prolific since his move two years ago.

That could change this season though, Woodgate will likely play a more expansive game than the squad has been accustomed to in recent years and that should lead to more chances being created for the Burundi international.

The early signs are positive and if Assombalonga can get off to a good start it will be difficult to keep him quiet for the rest of the season.