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Max Arfsten set for Middlesbrough FC debut but Kim Hellberg taking no risks against Wrexham Middlesbrough spent two years chasing the signature of Max Arfsten, and on Friday Kim Hellberg says their supporters will get to see why. The Boro manager is treating the League Cup first-round tie at home to Wrexham as a "bridge" between pre-season and the Championship opener against Lincoln City eight days later, meaning players who might have been pushed for a league game will not be risked. But he has said that Arfsten, who joined from Columbus Crew this week, will feature on the left. Although Arsten is new to the squad, his fitness is good having been at the United States for the World Cup, and played competitively in Major League Soccer since. Hellberg, who is closing in on the signings of Ashley Phillips and Radek Vitek, says he is "very excited" to work with the versatile left-footer. "He did his first session with us on Tuesday afternoon (so) he hasn't done much in terms of that, but he's done some sessions. We've worked a lot with him figuring out everything with analysts and everything around that. "You can see why we have chased him for a long time. He's a talented player, he has a lot of good qualities. "He's a good guy, he works very hard. He suits the group in a perfect way. "I don't think I've ever seen a left-footed player who has that good a right foot. I think that's unique. "I think he's more in-season than some of the other players that have arrived. It means that he's closer to being in a physical state where he actually can play. Then you come to the game and see what's the best decision for him to get as much as possible out of the game to be more ready next week. "He will absolutely be involved in the game." Boro lost Matt Targett – now at Hull City – when his loan from Newcastle United came to an end last season, and filling that role seems likely to be Arfsten's main, if not only, job. "I know he played left-back in a four for the United States," said Hellberg. "At Columbus lately he played wing-back first to the left, then he played wide striker to the right. I think that makes him versatile in many ways. "I look at him as more along the left side. "Because of the quality of his right foot, he can help on different positions. He can help on a right-back in moments. "Where I prepare him is to the left – as a wing-back, a left-back, all the way up in the line. "It also depends on how we play and what we face. "I'm just looking forward to get to learn (about) him even more as a player and as a person." A number of players will sit out the game, though. "Myles (Peat-Harris) starts training next week," said Hellberg. "David (Strelec) is just around the corner too. "There are a lot of players that will start (training) on Monday who will not be a involved in the game. "Kyle (Joseph, signed from Hull this summer) will be in the squad." The match will be decided on the night. The second round is in the final midweek of August.