Jonathan Woodgate reveals why popular midfielder hasn't been playing ahead of Leeds United clash

Tavernier has made 26 league appearances this season but started on the bench for important games against Wigan, Luton and Barnsley.

The 20-year-old academy product has impressed this campaign and some have questioned the player’s absence during Boro’s poor run of results.

When asked what Tavernier needs to do to get back in the side, Woodgate said: “I think Tav went through a sticky patch and because you are a young player everyone looks at you and says get him in the team.

“I said at my first press conference I want to get players in the team, I want to do that but if they have a little dip in form people look at it and say that’s why we are getting beat because Tav’s not playing.“

Woodgate also referred to Boro’s four-match winning run over Christmas when Adam Clayton, 31, was playing alongside George Saville in midfield.

Like Tavernier, Clayton has also dropped out of the side in recent weeks, yet Woodgate believes younger players receive more hype.

“No one has said we are getting beat because Adam Clayton isn’t playing, look at the four games we played, who played centre midfield, Adam Clayton and George Saville.

“No one will mention that but they’ll mention a young kid because he gets left out of the team. Everyone gets a bit carried away with that.

“I think in this world we get caught up in people’s opinions, I bet you’ll be listening to fans, talk-ins and when we win the talk-ins aren't that lively. When we lose everyone rings up.

“When we won those four games no one was moaning then, it can change and it will always come back. I get on with it.”

Woodgate will hope to end Boro’s eight-match Championship winless run when Leeds United visit the Riverside on Wednesday.

Daniel Ayala (ankle) is nearing a return but remains out, while Dael Fry (thigh) and Patrick Roberts (hamstring) are also sidelined.

Full-back Anfernee Dijksteel will play for the under-23 side on Friday.