LOAN SYSTEM HAS ADVANTAGES - SOUTHGATE

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is happy to allow his blossoming youngsters learn their trade in the Football League as he builds for the future.

The 36-year-old has allowed several of the club's crop of promising Academy graduates to gain experience of first-team football on loan this season.

Winger Adam Johnson has just returned from a spell with Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Leeds, while defenders David Wheather and Matthew Bates, and midfielder Jason Kennedy have had a taste of senior action with Wolves, Ipswich and Boston respectively.

"There is a balance between educating them here and giving them experience of league football," said Southgate.

"Sometimes they need to get a look at a bit of the reality of life as well, it will not do them any harm to get out and play, and sometimes the reserves is a different mental thing."