There were a number of debuts for Boro loanees as the domestic season got underway over the weekend.
Grant Hall was one of them, lining up in defence for newly-promoted Rotherham United at home to Swansea City - who included another familiar face with ex-defender Nathan Wood debuting in their ranks.
Chiedozie Ogbene gave Hall’s side the upper hand after a little more than quarter of an hour, but a superb distance strike from Harry Darling later in the first half ensured the Swans took a point back to South Wales.
Hayden Coulson was another handed his debut as Aberdeen began their season with an unenviable away day at reigning champions Celtic. Despite a decent showing from the youngster, there was to be no upset as the Bhoys came away 2-0 winners.
Joe Lumley made his Reading bow between the posts at Blackpool. The keeper made a few good saves, but was unable to keep out Callum Connolly’s game-deciding strike.
There was a tough introduction for Sol Brynn to life at Swindon Town, with little the Boro youngster could do to prevent a 3-0 opening day loss at Harrogate Town, with fellow Academy graduate Alex Pattison among the scorers.
In non-league, Max Metcalfe continues to be the preferred pick in goal for Spennymoor Town as they prepare for the start of the National League North season away to Hereford next weekend. Metcalfe played his fourth pre-season friendly with Moors on Saturday, a 4-2 defeat to Trafford.
The fourth of Boro’s loan goalkeepers, Zach Hemming, had featured three times in the Scottish League Cup after returning to Kilmarnock, but missed the start of the league season for the Scottish Premiership newcomers at the weekend due to an injury.
Martin Payero made his debut as a late substitute for Boca Juniors in a 3-1 win over Estudaintes a week ago, but remained on the bench for yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to Patronato.