YORK-born defender Matt Kilgallon's arrival at Middlesbrough can't come quickly enough after the Teessiders were swept aside 3-1 by Ipswich Town in their opening game of the npower Championship.

The Tractor boys' three second-half goals exposed serious frailties in the Boro back line and explains why manager Gordon Strachan is so keen to sign former Appleton Roebuck resident Kilgallon from Sunderland on loan until Christmas.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that talks are under way between the two clubs but it is understood Middlesbrough want assurances over his fitness before bringing the 26-year-old to the Riverside Stadium.

A back injury has curtailed former Leeds player Kilgallon's pre-season but Boro, favourites to win the Championship before the start of the campaign, may take the risk following a disappointing defeat.

Scott McDonald had given the home side a first-half lead after netting with a point-blank header but the game turned when Ipswich scored twice in 60 seconds in the second-half.

There was some luck about Tommy Smith's leveller in the 51st minute – deflected into the bottom corner off defender Matthew Bates – but, almost immediately afterwards, slack marking allowed Tamas Priskin to head Ipswich in front from David Norris's cross.

McDonald and Julio Arca both missed good chances before the Middlesbrough centre-back pairing of Stephen McManus and David Wheater were again caught napping – allowing an unmarked Jon Stead to volley the decisive third goal with 13 minutes left.