Striker Luke Armstrong has left Middlesbrough to join newly-promoted League Two side Salford City, the Championship side have confirmed.

Having originally spent five years in 'Boro's academy between 2009 and 2014 before leaving for Birmingham, Armstrong returned to the Riverside Stadium from non-league Blyth Spartans in the summer of 2017.

The striker however failed to make a single senior appearance following his move back to Middlesbrough, and spent time out on loan last season with National League Gateshead in the first half of the season, before experiencing EFL level football for the first time in his career with Accrington Stanley following the turn of the year, scoring three goals in 16 appearances for the League One side.

Now Armstrong has completed a permanent move away from the Riverside Stadium, with the 23-year-old joining Salford on a three-year deal.

Speaking to the club's official website about the decision to allow Armstrong to leave the club for the second time in his career, Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate explained: “Luke’s at an age where he needs to be playing regular football.

“I couldn’t guarantee him that here, but he has done well in his loan spells before, and when Salford came in with an offer, it suited both parties."

The Verdict

This does seem to be a move that works well for everyone involved.

At 23-years-old, Armstrong is going to want to be playing as much football as possible as he approaches the peak of his career, and it has never really looked likely that that would happen at Middlesbrough.

Given Armstrong's record at Accrington in the second half of last season - which wasn't exactly prolific - I can't see Middlesbrough being too concerned about the striker's departure, despite their apparent need to strengthen in attack ahead of next season.

You do feel however that at League Two level Armstrong may be more confident about making an impact, particularly in a Salford side looking to push on from their promotion last season as quickly as possible.