Former coach backs this Middlesbrough youngster to have bright future

Stephenson, who spent two years in charge of Boro’s second strings, helped the likes of Lewis Wing, Marcus Tavernier, Djed Spence, Aynsley Pears and Hayden Coulson break into the senior starting XI.

However, Malley, labelled one of Boro’s bridgest prospects, has had to wait for this chance thus far and was loaned to Scottish Championship side Ayr United in January.

He scored one goal in five matches before the coronavirus pandemic cut his time in Scotland short.

Stephenson told the Mail: “The one who hasn’t played as much as I thought is Connor Malley because I thought he was a fantastic player.

“He has got all the tools and he really progressed in the last season I was at the club despite a lot of adversity in the air for himself personally.

“That said, he came through it and he really did show an incredible attitude and as far as ability goes, he has all the tools to be a top footballer.

“He is the one I am waiting to now see ripping it up in a Boro shirt.”