Jonathan Woodgate's message to Djed Spence and Middlesbrough squad ahead of Leeds United clash

The Boro boss made four changes to his side ahead Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Barnsley, a result which left the Teessiders three points above the relegation zone.

Boro full-back Djed Spence, 19, was a surprise omission from the matchday squad at Oakwell which led to questions about the teenager’s absence.

Yet Woodgate says the defender shouldn’t be singled out and insists the whole squad need to meet certain standards.

“People need to realise that when you get to a certain level, you can’t drop below those standards,” Woodgate told BBC Tees when asked about Spence.

“You have to keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be. That’s what I want for the team. Everyone has to keep on pushing, and if someone doesn’t push, there’ll be consequences.

“Adam Clayton found himself out of the squad, so it’s not just Djed, but no one asked me about Adam Clayton when he was left out of the squad.

“I’ve dealt with things on numerous occasions. Marcus Browne was left out of the squad, but no one asked me then. I wasn’t asked about Browne or Marc Bola, but you leave Djed out of the squad and everyone is asking questions. It happens.

“If people lower their standards, then they’ll find themselves out of the squad.”

Woodgate has handed several Boro youngsters their debuts this season, but has stressed they will have to keep their levels up to stay in the team.

“You need to look at yourself, but you need to look at your players as well – who is dipping off and who needs to be left out at times,” Woodgate added.

“I want players to be pushing constantly in training, the top players do it day in, day out. Some of our young players need to learn off them and copy what they do day in, day out.”

Woodgate will hope for a reaction when Boro face promotion-chasing Leeds United on Wednesday night.