Speaking ahead of the game, Boro star Marcus Tavernier gave an insight into his experience of being a professional footballer, and revealed: “It‘s surreal. When you were younger you wanted players' autographs and now you’ve got little kids coming up to you saying you’re their favourite player - it’s unbelievable.
“I remember seeing someone have my name on the back of their top and I could not believe it. My name on the back of someone’s top, number 62. I thought they only made two copies and they were mine!
“When you’re a young kid you’re looking at the first team and the big players; there’s Grant [Leadbitter], Adama [Traore] was here then, Victor Valdes walked through the door and you’re thinking ‘he’s played with Messi’ - the best player on the planet.
“But when you train you realise they see you as someone who can play in this team - you’re not there just to make up the numbers, you’re there to take someone else’s shirt, so that was my aim once I got in training with the first team.”
He added: “You can’t get settled or complacent with just being in with the first team. You’re there to play.
“The atmosphere of a stadium and realising you’re actually playing for three points [is surreal]. Three points means so much to the team and what you do."
“I remember making my home debut and just the lights when you’re coming out, and hearing the roar. Although it’s what you love, you realise it’s your job and three points means so much.
“There’s always a person somewhere else in a lot more difficult situation than you’re in. I’m here living most kids’ dreams. So for me to be upset about what I'm doing is just impossible.”
Take a look at the latest stories from the Championship, as the anticipation for this weekend's action starts to build:
5. Rafferty replaces Wickham
Preston North End have called up Joe Rafferty into their squad, following a serious hamstring injury to loanee Conor Wickham. Rafferty only featured once for the Lilywhites last season, appearing in a Carabao Cup game. (Club website) Photo: Lewis Storey
6. Key Stoke man could return for weekend
Stoke City are still hopeful of key man Mario Vranic featuring this weekend, despite the midfielder withdrawing from international duty with Bosnia and Herzegovina due to injury. He's featured 11 times for the Potters in all competitions so fat this season. (Stoke Sentinel) Photo: Nathan Stirk
7. Rams appeal hefty points deduction
Derby County have confirmed their decision to appeal their 12-point deduction for going into administration. The Rams contend that their predicament was due to financial issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. They're currently bottom of the table, with just two points following their sanction. (BBC Sport) Photo: Ashley Allen
8. McDonald training with Dundee
Ex-Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald is understood to be training with Dundee, after recovering from a kidney transplant. The 32-year-old, who was released by Fulham last summer, also featured for the likes of Burnley and Sheffield United earlier in his career. (The Courier) Photo: James Chance