This article is part of Football League World's 'Player View' series, this content strand is where we put ourselves in the shoes of a given player, and offer an opinion-based outlook on the situation at hand…

You can't help but feel sorry for Marcus Browne.

After a successful loan spell with Oxford United, the 21-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham.

Securing first team football was the only aim for the forward who was able to agree a £250,000 move to Teesside as part of Jonathan Woodgate's exciting new project.

Unfortunately things haven't quite worked out so far.

Arriving for such a modest fee was perfect for all parties. Middlesbrough could afford to take a chance on a talented young player with little risk, while Browne himself would be able to stake his claim for a starting spot without a hefty price tag hanging over him.

With a lack of attacking talent at the Riverside it seemed like the perfect agreement for all parties.

Unfortunately Marcus Browne has been largely limited to substitute appearances.

The 21-year-old has started five games for Middlesbrough in the Championship, but interestingly has only stayed on the pitch for longer than 45 minutes on two occasions.

There's no doubting the pace and trickery of Marcus Browne, but there must be a reason why Jonathan Woodgate hasn't given him a fair opportunity to assert himself, especially given the lack of creativity in the team.

Britt Assombalonga, Ashley Fletcher and Marcus Tavernier have all been preferred in recent weeks, while Marvin Johnson also appears to be above the forward in the Middlesbrough pecking order.

Perhaps Browne's flair presents him as something of a wildcard option rather than a reliable starting player, although that's just speculation.

Middlesbrough have really struggled in front of goal this season, with Woodgate coming under pressure to find a formula to add a little bit of spark in the final third.

Browne featured as a substitute against Fulham and Derby County in the last week, and it appeared that the former West Ham prospect could be set for an extended run in the team as he was given an opportunity to build up his fitness in the U23s clash against Manchester United.

He will have been hoping to force his way into Jonathan Woodgate's plans against Queens Park Ranger this weekend, but instead the forward was taken off after pulling up with a hamstring injury which could keep him out for a matter of weeks.

It's typical that when an opportunity knocks the youngster is held back by an injury, but fingers crossed Marcus Browne is back fighting fit before long.

On current evidence, his creative spark is exactly what Jonathan Woodgate's team needs.