Middlesbrough re-sign in-form striker Luke Armstrong
Monday 10 April 2017 13:55, UK
Middlesbrough have re-signed striker Luke Armstrong from Blyth Spartans.
The 20-year-old, who was released from a youth contract by Boro in 2014, will join the Premier League side at the end of the season.
Armstrong has scored 23 goals this season for Blyth who have secured promotion from the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of English football, following his move last summer from Birmingham City.
The Northumberland club are managed by Armstrong's dad Alun who admits it will be difficult to replace him for their campaign next season in the Vanarama National League North.
"The biggest problem for me next season is finding a replacement for Luke. It's a massive blow for me, but I'm delighted for him because he always said that he wanted to get back into full-time football," the Blyth boss said.
"It's exactly what he has got, but I have got an option to take him back on loan if that is required to help with his development.
"Other than that, I've got to go out and find a replacement for him.
"He's going to be a huge miss. I looked at him during the win over Halesowen on Saturday and his work-rate was amazing.
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"Him and 'Nipa' [Daniel Maguire] just seem to have a really good understanding together, so I have a job on my hands to find a replacement."
Blyth are also expected to arrange a pre-season friendly with Middlesbrough this summer as part of the deal.
Steve Agnew's side, who lie 19th in the Premier League table, face Arsenal on April 17 at the Riverside Stadium on Monday Night Football.
