Ben Doak admits Liverpool stay would have been 'difficult' as he insists Middlesbrough are Premier League club
Ben Doak insists he's joined a "Premiers League club" in Middlesbrough despite their Championship status.
The recent Scotland debutant has opened up on his Liverpool loan exit as he looks to get first team games under his belt on Teesside. Highly rated under Jurgen Klopp, new Anfield boss Arne Slot has shipped Doak out on loan with game times set to be limited under the Dutchman since taking over from Klopp.
Doak made his international debut as a second half sub in Scotland's 3-2 defeat to Poland in the Nations League, before a late cameo in the 2-1 loss to Portugal in Lisbon. The tartan Army are excited by the impact Doak could have on a Scotland side that is severely struggling and his switch to Boro should see him playing more regularly. That's his hope as he admitted he was facing a difficult campaign on Merseyside in terms of first team opportunities.
“It feels great to be here, and I cannot wait to get out there in front of the fans and get my career up and running,” he said. “This is a Premier League club, really, and I can imagine the fans are desperate to get back up there.
"I knew a few of the lads here and I spoke to the gaffer as well, and that’s really what convinced me. I know how big the club is and how big the fanbase is.
"I’ll be just happy to be playing. Obviously coming from such a big club, it can be difficult to get games.
"My aim this season is to just improve as a player, and you can only really do that by playing games regularly. So hopefully I can give good performances that ultimately warrant my place in the team.
"I cannot wait to get out there in front of the fans and get my career up and running. Hopefully I can do well. There were no bad elements to coming here. Time will tell. Hopefully I