Marcus Browne was just beginning to hit his straps at Middlesbrough when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament last season.

The 23-year-old has made just 22 appearances for Boro since signing in the summer of 2019 and with his contract up at the end of next season, Browne needs to show he has what it takes at second tier or a dip back into the third tier looks likely.

Browne opened up on the support network he has at the club when he spoke to TeessideLive.

He said: "On the football side, the lads are best to speak to, especially Duncan (Watmore) and Paddy (McNair) because they've been through it, but in terms of mentally and psychologically I'd rather speak to my family. It's that sense of comfort.

"The gaffer has been spot on with me, he's spoken to me regularly to make sure I'm feeling good and doing everything properly. He's making sure I'm still at it and not slacking. That's the sort of character he is."

Browne could provide the dynamism and unpredictability to give Middlesbrough something extra in the final third upon his return, now with a healthy relationship with Neil Warnock the 23-year-old should be able to show his best form and get up to speed quickly in the Championship.

The Verdict

Browne has demonstrated particularly on loan at Oxford United just how effective he can be and that he has a very high ceiling. Warnock wants players that he trusts, after struggling to integrate Martin Payero and James Lea Siliki into his starting XI, Browne would add a different kind of threat that could better compliment summer signing strikers Andraz Sporar and Uche Ikpeazu.

If the West Ham United academy graduate gets going Boro will gain a great outlet as they look to climb the table, he could have a cliché 'like a new signing' impact and adds much needed variety to the attacking contingent at the Riverside.