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Ben Gibson is “super-excited” about the coming Premier League campaign.

The Middlesbrough FC defender says the reality of winning promotion is sinking in following the publication of the 2016/17 fixtures .

Stoke City will be the first team to visit the Riverside Stadium on August 13 and Gibson expects the match to sell-out.

“Obviously now I’m just super excited,” he told www.mfc.co.uk .

“Now I’ve seen the fixtures it’s finally sinking in a little bit. I’m absolutely made up to have the first game at home – I have no doubt it will be a sell-out.

“You know who you’re going to be playing when you get into the Premier League but to actually see it on paper is extra special.”

Boro’s second game of the season sees the club make the short journey up the road to the Stadium Of Light for the Wear-Tees derby against Sunderland .

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For Gibson, playing in North-east league derby will be a new experience.

“It doesn’t get much bigger in terms of the rivalry between fans for Middlesbrough,” he said.

“I know Newcastle is their main derby but for Boro fans the Sunderland and Newcastle games are absolutely huge.

“It will be good to get one again. We’ve had a couple of cup ones but getting one in the league is what it’s all about.

“To get one so early shows what the Premier League is all about and I can’t wait.

“These are the exciting times that we’ve been working towards for so long to bring back and they’re finally here on our doorstep,” added the talented 23-year-old defender.

“It’s really exciting, the whole town will be buzzing. I’m chuffed that we’ve got the first game at home but it’s just great seeing the teams.”