The 20-year-old is one of most highly rated defenders in England for his age and he has played for his country at every level up to the Under-20s.
Parnaby, though, is yet to make his Premiership debut for Boro - although he has already figured in the first team.
The Durham-born ace has been dogged by a number of persistent injuries in recent years which have dogged his progress, but now an injury free pre-season is giving him a chance to impress.
Boro will play Parnaby at left back in their pre-season Italian tournament in Montova, as first choice Franck Queudrue is suspended for the Teesside club's opening two games of the season.
"We will be without Queudrue for the first two Premiership games so this is a chance for Parnaby to get match fitness and show what he can do.
"If he does well tonight then he will be in the running next week, although we will look at all options."
Parnaby will get his chance as the natural replacements, Colin Cooper and David Murphy, are both suffering injuries and are doubtful for the opening encounter.
