Jonathan Woodgate discusses Stephen Walker plans and Middlesbrough's loan departures

The 19-year-old forward made his Championship debut back in August but has fallen down the pecking order due to Rudy Gestede’s return from injury and the loan signing of Lukas Nmecha from Manchester City.

Boro have recently loaned out Marcus Browne and Marc Bola to Oxford and Blackpool respectively due to their lack of first-team football.

When asked if any other players will be allowed to leave on loan this month, Woodgate said: “Stephen Walker is available to go on loan.

“I think it’s important he goes and plays games and at the minute he’s not going to play here.

“In the future, 100 per cent but he needs games, he needs to go and bang goals in in whatever league.

“We need him to go and play games like with Browne and Bola, I think it’s important that he goes out and plays games in a man’s environment.”

When asked about Browne and Bola, who both left the Riverside last week, Woodgate added: “Another half season playing a load of games is perfect for them.

“I don’t give up on my players so next season they will come back and be fighting, fit and ready to go.

“Let’s not forget, OK at times they didn’t play well but some of the other players didn’t play well either, it’s not just that but they’ve also got a bit more experience at this level now.”