Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has hailed Middlesbrough’s decision to sign Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer on loan this month.

When asked to single out the best deal made by any Football League club during the January transfer window so far, Goodman said:

“The eye-catching one for me that hasn’t had an impact yet, but I’m absolutely certain will given time, is the fact Middlesbrough signed Cameron Archer from Aston Villa. I think the whole of the Championship wanted Cameron Archer, but Middlesbrough sold their project to him, and he’s gone there.”

“It might not be the obvious one right here right now with a week left in the transfer window. But I would say keep an eye on Cameron Archer because I think he can score plenty of goals at Middlesbrough.”

As Goodman rightly points out, Archer hasn’t made much of an impact so far, having only made three substitute appearances since arriving from Villa Park.

Michael Carrick’s side were in a rich vein of form before the defeat in the Tees-Wear derby against Sunderland so Archer has been waiting patiently for his chance to impress.

The 21-year-old does have a good track record in the Championship, though, having scored seven goals in 20 appearances during a loan spell at Preston North End last season.

If he can replicate those sorts of performances at the Riverside Stadium over the coming weeks and months, it would certainly help Boro’s chances of securing a playoff spot.