Karanka: Forshaw’s the future of Middlesbrough

Aitor Karanka has been so bowled over by Adam Forshaw’s early season performances he sees the 24-year-old as the man to drive the team forward for the foreseeable future.

Forshaw had just seven minutes of Premier League football under his belt before this season, making a cameo in Everton’s 3-0 away win at Wolves in April 2011.

But, with current club Middlesbrough now back in the top flight, Forshaw has looked right at home in red so far this term, and been rewarded with a new four-year contract for his efforts.

And Karanka said: “I am really pleased with his contract but also his performances.

(Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

“Adam is the kind of player who deserves it.

“When you know him you know he is more than capable of playing in the Premier League. He has shown everyone already what he can do.

“He is the kind of player who always wants to play. He doesn’t care if it’s one minute or 90, he goes on to the pitch with the same intensity.

“His attitude every single day, and his character, is amazing. He is always trying to learn and to do his best for the team.”