DIEGO FABBRINI claims Middlesbrough’s narrow miss in last season’s play-off final persuaded him to turn down alternative offers in order to sign a season-long loan at the Riverside.

Having taken part in the warm-up ahead of last weekend’s goalless draw at Doncaster, Fabbrini is expected to make his first appearance in a Boro shirt when the Teessiders make their penultimate pre-season outing at Barnsley tomorrow.

The Italian was offered the opportunity to rejoin Birmingham City, having spent part of last season on loan at St Andrew’s, and was also linked with a number of clubs in his homeland after Watford boss Quique Flores confirmed he was not part of his plans in the Premier League.

However, Fabbrini opted to move to Middlesbrough, and after contributing to Watford’s successful promotion campaign last season, is determined to complete a notable double over the course of the next nine months.

“I decided to come here this season because Middlesbrough is a big club with a good history, and I think this year we can do very well,” said the 24-year-old Italy international. “I think Middlesbrough are a good team. Last year, they were close to going up to the Premier League and I think now this year we must improve.

“I think the gaffer is a good man and a good coach. I’ve come here because it’s a big club, I like playing with good team-mates and because of the gaffer. I’ve settled well with my team-mates, and I think there is a good group here.”

Fabbrini has primarily been signed to provide some competition on the right of midfield, but the Italy international is also comfortable playing in a more central attacking-midfield position.

“Usually, I play behind the striker, but it depends what the gaffer wants because I can also play on the right and left,” he said. “I’m very happy to be here, and I’m ready for the start of the new season.”

As well as witnessing Fabbrini’s first appearance in a Middlesbrough shirt, tomorrow’s game at Oakwell should also see Ben Gibson make his first start of the pre-season programme.

Gibson was given an extended break after representing England at the European Under-21 Championships, but should play alongside Daniel Ayala at the heart of the back four as Aitor Karanka begins to firm up his plans for the opening weekend of the season.

Christian Stuani’s £3m move from Spanish side Espanyol has still not been formally confirmed, but Boro officials are hoping he will be available to feature in this weekend’s final pre-season friendly against Getafe.