Shawky spent the past six months trying to adapt to life at Riverside, and Southgate seems to be bearing the fruits of his patience with the 27-year-old.

The Boro boss was particularly satisfied with Shawky's display in Boro's 2-1 friendly win at Carlisle last week, where the Egypt midfielder played full 90 minutes.

"I am pleased with Mohamed. We knew it would take him some time to get used to the football here, but we were patient with him and now we can see the benefits," Southgate was quoted by the Evening Gazette.

"He worked hard at Carlisle and it was good to be able to give him 90 minutes."

Shawky could finally get the nod in midfield this season, following the departures of trio Fabio Rochemback, Lee Cattermole and George Boateng.