New �8m signing Massimo Maccarone impressed in his first outing for Middlesbrough as they drew 2-2 with Serie A outfit Udinese in Austria.

Former Manchester United and Everton winger Jesper Blomqvist did his chances of earning a contract at the Riverside no harm with a competent display on the left flank.

Gareth Southgate made a rare foray forward to head home Carlos Marinelli's cross and Noel Whelan was on the end of Blomqvist's cross to nod Boro into a 2-0 lead.

But it was Maccarone, partnering Whelan up front in the first half, who impressed.

He fired narrowly wide on 18 minutes and produced an acrobatic volley on 38 minutes which was saved by Udinese keeper De Sanctis.

The Udinese keeper had to be at his best to deny Maccarone who rifled in a sharp snap-shot from the edge of the box on 43 minutes.

Maccarone's impressive first half earned a rest among a rash of second-half substitutions, which only served to disrupt Boro's rythm and allow Udinese back into the game.

Czech midfielder Marek Jankulovski's deflected free-kick reduced the deficit before Italian striker Vicenzo Iaquinto headed an equaliser on the hour.

Boro coach Steve Harrison was pleased with the side's performance.

He said: "The game proved to be a great workout and in the first-half we showed glimpses of what we can really do.

"In the second half we were forced to defend for long periods but it was still a great experience for some of the younger players against quality opposition.