Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton has revealed that the depth of the squad at Boro is ensuring that the players remain focused, otherwise they could easily lose their place.

Boro are fourth in the table, level on points with Brentford in second place, but 29-year old Clayton has revealed that a fear of losing their shirt has kept all of the first team squad on their toes this season.

Speaking to the Evening Gazette, he claimed that being brought off against Norwich sparked fears that someone might be better equipped to take his place in the side.

"I think it was because he saw I was limping," he said of being substituted "But in the back of your mind as a player there’s always that fear if your number goes up. You are always wondering what is going on, wondering if it’s anything tactical or that he thinks someone can come on and do your job better."

He says that with new players coming into the side, it drives the existing squad on to make sure they're still in contention come the following Saturday.

“You see people come into the club who can play in your position, good players who you know can go into the team and play well and so there is always competition. It is up to you to nail down that shirt. You have to make sure it is you that gets the call for Saturday.”

Clayton has made 157 league appearances for Boro, scoring just once against Huddersfield in 2015.

The Verdict

It is good to have competition for places and it is good to know the players are driven to keep their place.

What shouldn't be the case is that it creates an atmosphere of fear. Players shouldn't fear being dropped, they should always see it as a challenge to press on and fight.

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