The Northern Ireland international has been Boro's best player this season after moving back into his natural midfield role. His versatility has still been useful through, with the 24-year-old dropping back into defence at times.The Northern Ireland international has been Boro's best player this season after moving back into his natural midfield role. His versatility has still been useful through, with the 24-year-old dropping back into defence at times.
The Northern Ireland international has been Boro's best player this season after moving back into his natural midfield role. His versatility has still been useful through, with the 24-year-old dropping back into defence at times.

3 Middlesbrough players who have improved and 3 who have gone backwards under Jonathan Woodgate

It’s almost six months since Jonathan Woodgate was appointed Middlesbrough’s new head coach – and it’s fair to say it’s been a challenging start for the former defender.

The Teessiders are just a point above the Championship relegation zone after 19 games and look set to be involved in a relegation dogfight this campaign. But while some players have struggled, others have improved under Woodgate – we’ve picked out three players at both ends of the spectrum.