Following Wigan Athletic's relegation at the end of last season amid a flurry of financial problems, the exodus of players from the DW Stadium was almost inevitable.

One of those to secure their departure from the Latics, was midfielder and club captain Sam Morsy.

The Egyptian international did not take long to secure his return to the Championship, securing a move to Middlesbrough on a three-year deal.

But how have things been going for Morsy since he made his move to the Riverside Stadium, and what might come next for the 29-year-old?

Here, we take a look in our latest "hat-trick" feature.

How's it gone so far?

It has been a bright start to life at Middlesbrough for Morsy.

Having come off the bench in his first two league appearances for the club - in draws with Bournemouth and QPR - the midfielder has now played the full 90 minutes of the last three league games Neil Warnock's side have played.

During that time, Morsy has helped 'Boro to seven point from a possible nine, with wins over Barnsley and Bristol City sandwiching a goalless draw with Reading.

With 'Boro seemingly moving in the right direction in recent weeks, it looks as though Morsy is making the desired impact for his new side, suggesting this is a move that has worked out well for both parties so far.

 

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What issues does he face?

With past experience in the Championship, and his combative style likely suiting Neil Warnock's style of play, Morsy should have no problem in adapting to life at the Riverside Stadium.

Indeed, that is something that he already looks to have done with his recent run in the starting lineup, coinciding with some impressive results for Warnock's men.

As a result, the biggest challenge for Morsy going forward, could be competition for places in the centre of the park.

With the likes of Lewis Wing, George Howson and Tuesday night's match-winner George Saville all also available in the centre of the park, there are plenty of other options for Warnock to turn to should Morsy find himself out of the side for one reason or another.

That is something that could then push him down the pecking order longer term, and with so many games coming up in such a short period of time, there is certainly some scope for something such as that to happen going forward.

What's next?

With so many games coming up in a short space of time, Morsy's focus will not be on holding down his place in the side.

Indeed, with Middlesbrough showing plenty of promise in the early part of the campaign, this does not look like a side that Morsy - or anyone else for that matter - will want to drop out of.

There are some challenging fixtures in the horizon for Warnock's side as well, meaning this could be where they really show whether or not they can be considered challenges this season.

Given he will have felt hard done by with Wigan's relegation last season, Morsy will no doubt be determined to prove a point this time around, and helping 'Boro to lay down that marker in the next few weeks may well do that.