How Middlesbrough loanees Marc Bola and Marcus Browne fared for Blackpool and Oxford

The 22-year-old defender left the Riverside on loan earlier this month and hopes to gain more first-team experience before returning to Teesside.

Bola joined Boro from Blackpool permanently in the summer but struggled to nail down a first-team place in Jonathan Woodgate’s side.

On Saturday, Bola made his second Blackpool debut during a League One clash and, despite the result, the full-back was awarded man of the match by our sister title the Blackpool Gazette.

The assessment of Bola’s performance said: “Offered Pool balance down the left-hand flank and posed a constant threat . Did tire a little late on.”

Earlier in the week, Bola told the Gazette he wants to return to Boro and fight for his place in the summer.

“Middlesbrough have just told me to go and get some games and come back a better player,” said Bola. “They want me to improve and then, when I do come back, fight for that left-back spot.

“I wouldn’t say it didn’t work out there, it was just that the transition was a bit difficult.

“I’ve still got years left on my contract, so for me, this move was about going out and playing games.

“The plan is to do that at Blackpool, go back to Middlesbrough a better player, smash pre-season and see where we’re at.”

Bola made seven league appearances for Boro before returning to Blackpool and admits the Championship was a big step up.

“It was a big step up to Championship football but I felt comfortable when I played,” the defender added.

“They were tough games I was involved in but that’s the Championship for you, that’s why it’s one of the hardest leagues to be in. It’s a good learning curve for me.”

Another player who left the Riverside on loan earlier this month was winger Marcus Browne.

The 22-year-old signed for Oxford until the end of the season and came off the bench during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Gillingham.