Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg is expecting January signing Leo Castledine to have a major role for his team this season.
Castledine penned a four-year contract with Middlesbrough in January after arriving from Chelsea for a reported fee of £1 million.
After excelling upon his arrival, Castledine had some injury issues which curtailed his impact at the club and he made just nine league appearances over the remainder of the season.
Speaking to the Northern Echo, Hellberg is confident about Castledine's role in the team in the upcoming campaign.
"I have very big hopes for Leo," said Hellberg.
"Then again you don't want to put the pressure on him. That was tough for him, the injury that happened.
"But if you look at him today, how strong he is, how fit he is, it would surprise me if he didn't play a big part this season. That would surprise me."
Castledine was brought to the club following an excellent first half of the season with Huddersfield Town in League One.
The 20-year-old scored 12 goals in 27 matches across all competitions for the Terriers, which caught the eye of a number of Championship clubs.
Castledine is primarily an attacking midfielder but he is also adept on the wing or as a makeshift striker.
His versatility makes him a strong asset for Hellberg in the new season as he looks to lead another promotion charge.
Middlesbrough have already swooped to secure the attacking acquisitions of Kyle Joseph and Myles Peart-Harris to accompany Castledine, while they are also believed to be in the market for another number nine.
