'Homegrown success is massive for our future'

MIDDLESBROUGH’S first-team success so far this season can have far-reaching positive implications in the longer term too - particularly because of the influence of a Tees-side spine.

- By CRAIG JOHNS [e-mail] @craig_johns

Boro are currently second in the Championship having lost only one of their 12 league games so far. At the heart of their team have been three academy graduates in Sol Brynn, Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney.

That's perfect for academy boss Craig Liddle, who on top of overseeing the development of young players in the club's youth ranks, has to try and convince them that staying at Boro is best for their careers. In that respect, his job is made so much easier by the trio’s current success, and potentially helps the club keep its next academy graduate star.

Liddle said: “It’s massive. When we're signing scholars, part of my presentation includes those three boys. The pathway and journey they've been on.