Boro star Clayton: Man City shaped who I am

Adam Clayton may not have made an appearance for Manchester City but the Middlesbrough midfielder insists the club still had a major influence on his career.

The 28-year-old comes up against City this weekend in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with a place at Wembley guaranteed for the winners.

Clayton joined City’s academy aged seven but left in 2010 when he found his path to the first-team blocked by global superstars such as David Silva and Yaya Touye.

Generated by IJG JPEG Library

But he holds no grudges and is looking forward to Saturday’s titanic clash as Boro look to put their woeful league form behind them and upset the odds.

“City shaped the way I play football. Without them I don’t know where I’d be today,” he said.

“It’s not like I feel I used to play for City now, it was so long ago, but they definitely had a hand in making me who I am.

“I’ve played in many foreign countries and gained valuable life experience with them, so I’ll be forever thankful to the coaching staff that brought me through.”