Forshaw impressed by hard-working De Roon’s Middlesbrough contribution

Middlesbrough’s Adam Forshaw is backing midfield partner Marten De Roon to kick on in the Premier League after the Dutch summer signing battled back from injury to open his account for the club last weekend.

The 25-year-old signed from Atalanta for a reported fee of £12million back in July, but has missed three league matches already for the north-east outfit with various injuries and illnesses.

But De Roon scored a dramatic last-minute equaliser against Man City last weekend – his first goal for the club – to secure a vital Premier League point in Aitor Karanka’s bid to secure safety this term.

And Forshaw believes the recognition for De Roon is a just reward for all his hard work in Middlesbrough’s encouraging start to the season.

“I’m made up for him,” the 25-year-old said. “He’s had a couple of injuries and niggles since he’s come in and he’s had to adapt to a new league. But he works his socks off and gives his all for the team.

“It was case of belief and knowing we were still in the game. The second half was completely different and I think we deserved it.

“We created chances, I had one myself, and eventually at the end Marten bulleted it in.

“We’re all fighting for each other. First and foremost we want to stay in the league and maintain our Premier League status, and we’re on track for that.

“Now we can train for the next few weeks, looking forward to the next one and hopefully three points.”