Former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Crossley insists that the club simply must keep Jonny Howson fit if they are to enjoy a successful season, as he is a player that could play for any side in the second-tier.

Howson has been a long-serving member of the Boro squad and has been with the club since 2017.

The midfielder is the current club captain and scored in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers last time out.

The former Leeds United ace has made a total of 186 appearances for the club and has scored six goals, laying on 15 assists.

Crossley believes that Howson is a key member of the Boro squad and will be central to their hopes throughout the campaign.

He also believes that he is so good, he could quite easily play for any club in the Championship, with it being vital that he remains available for selection for Neil Warnock.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “He is really, really important. Keep him fit, he’s got lots and lots of experience.

“I really like him, he’s one of these players that I think any Championship manager would have him in his squad.

“Not necessarily in his team but in his squad because he leads by example, being a good pro, he likes to put his foot in, he’s had a good career, and I think Neil Warnock likes that type of player.”