Dong Gook Lee could well have played himself into Middlesbrough's squad for this weekend's Premiership fixture against Reading after having a successful 45-minute run-out in the reserves 1-1 draw against Manchester United's second string last night.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate was in attendance at Hyde's Ewen Fields to run the rule over the South Korea international, who moved to the Riverside form Pohang Steelers during the January transfer window.

Wearing gloves to combat the east Manchester chill, Lee made a lively start to his Boro career playing up front alongside Danny Graham.

Lee certainly showed no signs of the minor thigh and ankle injuries which had delayed his first outing in a Boro shirt.

Indeed, the former Werder Bremen star appeared comfortable, mobile and keen to impress throughout the first half.

And he could have marked the occasion with a goal in the 20th minute, after Stuart Parnaby picked him out with a fine cross field ball. Lee, in space and well positioned in front of the United goal, appeared to get caught in two minds and his fleeting hesitation proved costly.

Boro's draw with United saw them preserve their five-point lead at the top of the Premier Reserve League. Substitute Ben Hutchinson grabbed Boro's goal in the 78th minute after Sean Evans had given United the lead.

BORO: Turnbull, Parnaby (Johnson 62), Bennett, Hines, Riggott, Williams, Goulon, Kennendy, Graham (Thompson 85), Lee (Hutchinson 46), Walker. Subs (not used): Robson, Steele.