Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate has moved to defend the club's new signing Ravel Morrison following questions about his past in the aftermath of his loan move to the Riverside Stadium.

Morrison joined 'Boro on loan from Sheffield United for the rest of the season on the final day of the January transfer window, having made just four appearances in all competitions for the Blades after joining the club last summer.

Speaking about the midfielder after his side's 1-1 draw with Blackburn on Saturday afternoon, Woodgate was quoted by the Hartlepool Mail as saying: “I just think he’s an absolutely outstanding player, and I think we can get the best out of him."

When questioned about Morrison's somewhat controversial reputation, Woodgate appeared keen to back his new signing, as he added:  “People say he’s had issues, but who hasn’t had issues? I’ve had a few myself. It doesn’t concern me one little bit. Go and meet him. I’ll bring in him here, see what you think of him."

Indeed, it seems Woodgate has been impressed with the former Manchester United youngster's personality as well as ability, as the Middlesbrough boss continued: “He’s a top lad, a really nice kid.

"Sometimes the press portray you in the wrong way, and I think that’s happened with Ravel. Listen, we all make mistakes, I’ve done that myself."

Following that draw with Blackburn, 'Boro are now 18th in the Championship standings, seven points clear of the relegation zone ahead of their visit to Griffin Park to face Brentford on Saturday afternoon, a game in which Morrison could make his debut.

The Verdict

Fair play to Woodgate here.

Morrison will surely be tired of hearing things said about his previous exploits in the game, which admittedly haven't always gone as he would have wanted, so to have this sort of backing from his new manager will surely give him a big boost of confidence and morale.

That is something that will surely motivate Morrison to repay that faith in him even more, which given the ability he clearly has when things do go right for him, could now benefit Middlesbrough over the final few months of the season.

It will now be interesting to see if that backing translates into opportunities on the pitch for Morrison, something he will surely be desperate for, having struggled for game time at Bramall Lane during the first half of the campaign.