Kit Symons has admitted that he is "pleased" to have seen Fernando Amorebieta given a chance to shine at Middlesbrough following his disappointing Fulham spell.

The Venezuela international struggled to match the expectations set at Craven Cottage upon joining the club from Athletic Bilbao in 2013.

Amorebieta has fared better in the North-East, however, featuring five times for Boro at the end of last season before rejoining on loan in August.

While the 30-year-old must sit out the visit of his parent club this weekend, Symons was happy with the business pulled off by his side which saw James Husband - himself sidelined on Saturday - head in the opposite direction.

"It didn't go as we or he would have liked over his time," he is quoted as saying by Get West London. "Some people need a different opportunity and a fresh start, and it came about he got one at Middlesbrough.

"I'm pleased for Fernando, he's a good lad. When things go bad it can be quite fought; a change of environment, and we've got James Husband in on loan and we're pleased with that."

Amorebieta started five games in succession for Middlesbrough prior to the international break.