Middlesbrough youngster Marcus Tavernier has burst onto the scene in the last month or so and is now a prominent member of Garry Monk's side.

In an interview with The Northern Echo, Garry Monk revealed that he is pleased with Marcus Tavernier's progress but he wants him to remain grounded and keep working hard for his opportunities.

The 18-year-old made his first team bow earlier in the season, playing the full ninety minutes in the EFL Cup win over Scunthorpe United.

This was followed by another full game against Aston Villa in the next round before he announced himself in his third appearance for the club, netting Boro's goal in a 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth in the EFL Cup.

This prompted Monk to hand Tavernier a first league outing as he played 62 minutes against Reading.

Boro handed Tavernier a further 71 minutes the following Tuesday against Hull City and then, last Sunday, the teenage talent scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over local rivals Sunderland.

Monk said: “I have been impressed with him since I came in.

“I have worked with plenty of youngsters so far, and some have had a chance, but we are pleased for him because he has done well with his opportunity."

“He is still young, so we have to manage that properly. He still has to work hard to maintain what he is doing. It’s still very early days for him.

“Both he and Dael [Fry] have given their career a start, now they have to keep it going, they need to keep working hard and establish themselves in the first-team squad.

"Any step off the accelerator and they will have a downturn.

"They are grounded lads and I think they will be fine.”

The Verdict

One thing that Garry Monk is renowned for in his managerial career so far is placing his faith in young stars.

Dael Fry and Marcus Tavernier have been on the fringes of the first team and are getting minutes out on the pitch.

Monk is right to err on the side of caution here, firing a subtle warning to these youngsters not to take anything for granted in first team football.

Boro fans - What do you make of Monk's comments? Let us know below...