'The best I’ve ever seen': Neil Warnock praises Middlesbrough's academy system and picks out three young prospects

Boro have seen several players break into the senior side over the last few seasons, with the likes of Dael Fry, Marcus Tavernier, Djed Spence and Hayden Coulson making the step up.

Centre-back Nathan Wood and winger Sam Folarin have also featured for Boro in the Championship this campaign, with the latter recently signing a new deal at the Riverside.

When asked about Boro’s academy system while speaking on the Twe12thMan podcast, Warnock, who has previously worked at the likes of Leeds, Cardiff and Crystal Palace, said: “It’s got to be the best academy I’ve ever seen.

“The game that we started at Brentford we had four out of the academy in that team, we never had one at Cardiff and never looked like having one. The only one they played was Joel Bagan who’s a left-back they signed from Southampton when he was 18.

“Here I can see a pathway for these lads for the next few years because there are some very good players coming through.”

Warnock has also been keeping a close eye on Boro’s under-23 side who are top of Premier League 2, Division 2.

The Boro boss has been impressed with 21-year-old winger Isaiah Jones, who was recently called up to the first-team squad, as well as midfielder Hayden Hackney, 18, and 19-year-old right-back Daniel Dodds.

“I don’t know all their names but Isaac the wide player I think he looks good,” added Warnock. “Hayden Hackney, he looks like he knows what he’s doing. I like Doddsy the right-back, I think he’ll make a good living.”

Warnock also said he may give more academy players a chance in next month’s FA Cup match at Brentford.

“It might be the youngest Middlesbrough side in the FA Cup,” suggested Warnock. “We ought to play a full Middlesbrough side in that so no rollicking me will you.

“But I’m really excited about the academy. I think Steve’s investment will pay off over the next few years.

“There’s four already through and there has to be at least another four in the 23s that I would imagine will get an opportunity.”

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