Defender delighted at return

Defender Jonathan Grounds has spoken of his delight at being thrown straight back into the starting line up at Boro.

The Academy graduate has been away on loan at Carrow Road Norwich but was called back to the Riverside after an injury to regular left-back Andrew Taylor.

He told the Gazette: "It was fantastic to be back, it was hard work but I really enjoyed it.

"I had played at Southampton on Tuesday night and got back about three in the morning.

"Then the next morning when I got up I got the call from Gareth and I drove straight back home.

"I've enjoyed it at Norwich. I've had five games there which is excellent for match fitness.

"It's different to training and you are much sharper so I felt ready to go straight into the first team. To be honest I was delighted to be thrown in. It's what you train for."