Folarin Balogun returned from his three England u21 goals over the international break to score again for Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Folarin Balogun celebrating a goal for Middlesbrough (Photo via Middlesbrough on Instagram)
Folarin Balogun celebrating a goal for Middlesbrough (Photo via Middlesbrough on Instagram)

Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun appears to be starting to see the rewards of his efforts over the last few months, as he made it three goals in his last four games for Middlesbrough this weekend.

Balogun certainly didn’t make a bad start to his January loan with Middlesbrough, assisting a couple of goals in his first month of action. But he did take a while to get on the scoresheet.

In late February, we pointed out that the striker had been a little unlucky, particularly after hitting the post on a couple of occasions in a single half against Barnsley. That luck seems to be turning now.

Balogun got his first goal against Sheffield United on March 8th, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, before scoring an excellent finish against Birmingham a week later.

The 20-year-old then went away on England duty with the u21s, scoring three goals in two games over the break.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: Folarin Balogun of England shoots during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England U21 and Andorra U21 on March 25, 2022 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Folarin Balogun of England shoots during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England U21 and Andorra U21 on March 25, 2022. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The goals kept coming on Saturday, as Balogun turned in a Jonathan Howson cross for his sixth goal in his last six games.

With the striker finding some form and Middlesbrough making a strong push for the play-off places, there’s certainly hope for a big finish to the current campaign.