Pundit admits surprise at Tottenham Hotspur decision on Middlesbrough forward

Jamie O’Hara has weighed in on Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to sell Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough

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Jamie O’Hara has conceded he was surprised to see Tottenham Hotspur sell Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a dream start to life at Middlesbrough, scoring three goals across his opening two games.

Many were surprised to see the North Yorkshire club land him on a permanent deal following his impressive season on loan at Oxford United.

Jamie O’Hara delivers Will Lankshear verdict

Among those caught somewhat off-guard was pundit and former Spurs midfielder O’Hara, who told talkSPORT: “Will Lankshear, he’s gone and done the business straight away. Spurs - I thought we might have tried to keep him for another season and get him out on loan. But he’s gone.

“He was highly thought of and I’m surprised we didn’t actually keep him. You can always sign him back if he starts ripping it up.”

Renowned for his predatory instincts in front of goal and intelligence that defies his tender years, Lankshear has been widely tipped for a future at the elite level.

‘Fantastic finisher’

According to former Middlesbrough defender Danny Mills, Kim Hellberg needs to ensure there is constant service into their new frontman.

He told The Yorkshire Post: “He's a fantastic finisher and almost an old-fashioned centre-forward. His best work comes inside the penalty area and the 18-yard box. He is a very good finisher with a real eye for goal.

“He scored 11 goals in a struggling side last season. The biggest issue will be supply, so they need to get him into the right positions inside the penalty area.

“He's young and still has plenty of room for improvement, as all young players do, but if given the right opportunities, he can finish. That is what Middlesbrough will need to focus on.

“It’s certainly a hefty fee that Middlesbrough have paid. I know the club well, and they are a fantastic side that came very close last season.

“I suspect a lack of goals toward the end of the campaign is what ultimately stifled their promotion push, so they’ll be looking to address that. But they need to make sure they provide him with service inside the area because that is where his real strength lies.”