Jonny Howson has admitted that Middlesbrough's lack of form had a real impact on his own self-confidence.

The Teessiders have struggled since Jonathan Woodgate took over as manager, winning just twice in 16 games in the Championship.

That run of form - which includes a current run of nine games without a victory - has seen Woodgate's side drop to 22nd in the league, meaning that a battle to avoid relegation may well be on the cards.

While certainly not solely responsible, Howson has been a first team regular at the Riverside Stadium, and like many he has struggled to maintain any level of form in the opening months.

The former Leeds midfielder was a special guest on BBC Tees Sport where he was asked about Middlesbrough's form and how it has affected him individually.

Howson said: "There are certainly moments when you start to doubt yourself that’s nothing new.
“I must admit that’s probably the first time in my career that I probably thought I’m going through a real tough time from a personal point of view in regards to form.
“Irrespective of what the team was doing, I believe first and foremost you look at yourself and I certainly knew at the time I was struggling and I think sometimes you can try too hard.
Can you name every Middlesbrough player of the year from the last 15 years? Have a go and find out! Certainly coming through that, that lack of confidence, it makes you stronger as well.”“I believe that was the case of it was something new to me, I’m not saying I’ve never had a bad game but it was going on for quite a while and it wasn’t clicking.
The verdict Middlesbrough's poor start to the season has clearly had a huge impact on everyone at the club. While Jonathan Woodgate has clearly been feeling the pressure, it's important to remember that many of the players will also be suffering a crisis in confidence as a result. Jonny Howson is an experienced pro, and plenty of supporters will be hoping that the midfielder can find his confidence and help those around him to get their performances back to an acceptable level.