Rob Edwards reveals key Tom Cleverley factor in loan deal for Middlesbrough youngster

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What a start to the season it has been for Middlesbrough and Rob Edwards in the Championship.

The Teessiders are flying in the second tier, and they are the only side in the division to have won all four of their opening games of the season in the league.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	4	4	0	0	7	1	6	12
2	West BromWest Brom	4	3	1	0	6	3	3	10
3	Stoke CityStoke City	4	3	0	1	8	3	5	9
4	LeicesterLeicester	4	3	0	1	6	3	3	9
5	CoventryCoventry	4	2	2	0	14	6	8	8
6	Bristol CityBristol City	4	2	2	0	9	4	5	8

It means that they have headed into the international break at the top of the table, with West Brom lining up in second after they beat Stoke City 1-0 at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday following a huge Viktor Johansson mistake.

Nevertheless, Middlesbrough added to their squad on deadline day, while they also ensured that Hayden Hackney did not leave the Riverside Stadium. Yet, for one youngster at the club, there is now the opportunity to shine elsewhere.

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Rob Edwards outlines why Law McCabe has joined Plymouth Argyle on loan from Middlesbrough

Game time is crucial for young players in football, and ensuring that key talents from the academy get ample minutes on the pitch is vital for managers such as Edwards.

While Plymouth Argyle are struggling in League One, Middlesbrough have allowed Law McCabe to join the Pilgrims on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, and Boro’s head coach has explained why the Devonshire outfit are the right choice.

He said (mfc.co.uk): “He’s at a really good football club with great support and big expectation.

“He’ll be playing for a manager who I know and who played in the same position as Law, and I think he’s going to really help him. It was a really good fit for Law. We wouldn’t let him just go anywhere, and I think this ticks all the boxes.”

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Plymouth Argyle need to improve quickly

McCabe is relatively unproven at just 19, but for Plymouth, they are in desperate need of reinforcements after a dreadful opening month.

The Pilgrims are 21st in League One, a point away from safety, and Cleverley will want to see his new addition hit the ground running.

Connor Wickham could also help Plymouth, with more experience in the forward positions definitely a desire of those at Home Park.

Nonetheless, this is a great test for McCabe, and Middlesbrough will be keeping a close eye on his development in the coming months.