Tommy Conway is thriving in a new winger role for Middlesbrough as the club mounts a serious promotion challenge. The 24-year-old striker, who arrived from Bristol City two years ago, scored his first goal of the season in last week's 2-2 draw with Cardiff City at the Riverside.
Conway fractured his ankle in the play-off semi-final against Southampton in May, which ended his previous campaign prematurely. He returned to full training over the summer and made his 10th appearance of the season against Cardiff, where he netted in the 58th minute to help spark a comeback from two goals down at half-time. His versatility has been a key asset for manager Kim Hellberg, who has deployed him primarily on the left flank since taking charge.
"I feel like I'm open to learning," Conway said. "When Kim came in and adjusted, I was on board with it. I fully bought into it." The Scotland international, who was initially signed as the team's number nine, has focused on developing his game in the wider position. "I'm learning every day to be a left winger and getting better every week," he added, expressing a desire to help the team in any way possible to reach the Premier League.
Conway's impact on results
His adaptation is paying dividends on the pitch. Beyond his goal against Cardiff, Conway provided three assists in recent weeks, including a cross that set up Will Lankshear for the winning goal in the 1-0 home victory over Wolves. Lankshear is the team's top scorer this season with nine goals in 11 appearances, a partnership Conway is keen to develop further. Those contributions have been part of an unbeaten run of five Championship matches for Boro, whose form reads DWWDD.
Middlesbrough currently sit third in the Championship table with 22 points from 11 games, just one point behind leaders Swansea. The team's next challenge is a trip to face Bolton on Friday, 23 October. Conway, who scored 13 goals in each of his first two seasons at the club, feels he is now back to his best. "I felt back to my best against Wolves," he stated, referencing the match where he escaped Kieran Trippier's attentions to create the decisive moment.
With the promotion race heating up, Conway's flexibility and renewed confidence offer manager Hellberg valuable options in attack. The player's primary aim is clear: to help Middlesbrough return to the top flight. His next opportunity comes at the University of Bolton Stadium this week, as Boro look to maintain their position near the summit of the standings.
More detail at bbc.com
