Middlesbrough midfielder Paddy McNair has stated that he's currently playing the best football of his career.

McNair has had an impressive season so far for both club and country and has looked like he's back to his best after a couple of influential seasons.

Since Jonathan Woodgate has come into Middlesbrough he has given McNair more responsibility in the centre of the park, and that seems to be something that the player is thriving on in the current campaign.

Despite Boro having a poor start to the season, McNair remains a shining light for the side, and looks like someone who could turn their season around.

The 24-year-old has stated that it's the best football he's played during his career and he hopes that he can keep it going.

Speaking to the BBC, McNair said: “I fell back into defence for different reasons but I feel like I'm back in midfield and I feel like I'm playing the best football I ever have done for club and country so if I can just keep going and playing well hopefully the goals will keep coming.”

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The Verdict

The midfielder has been sensational for Boro so far this season, and it feels odd saying that considering they're massively underachieving and sit in the relegation zone.

McNair has been a shining light for the side though, and could well be pivotal in pushing them up the league this season. The pressure is well and truly on Jonathan Woodgate at the moment, and it's vital that he is able to pick up some points in the coming weeks otherwise there may be a decision that needs to be made.

McNair has a lot of potential and has been highly-rated for quite some time. If he can continue to play this type of football, then there's no reason why he can't go to the very top.