Jonathan Woodgate's Isaiah Jones verdict that supports Middlesbrough's Djed Spence decision

Jonathan Woodgate believes Isaiah Jones has justified Middlesbrough's decision to not recall Djed Spence from Nottingham Forest, despite a stellar loan spell.

Spence has been one of the standout performers for Steve Cooper's Forest side and had reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal after his performance against the Gunners in the FA Cup.

There had been some calls for Boro to recall the right-back and give him a run in the first team, but Woodgate believes Jones' impressive performances at right-wing back have justified that call.

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Speaking to BBC Sport prior to Boro's game against Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round, Woodgate said: " He is playing a role for Middlesbrough as a right-wing back, but he is normally a right winger. He is so quick running with the ball, his deliveries are good and he does not stop running.

"What he has done this season, they got him from Tooting and Mitcham a few years ago with the head of academy and recruitment brought him in, and you can see how good he is.

"As a defender, you hate playing against pace and he has that in abundance. It is credit to the head of recruitment, and there is a reason why they did not bring back Djed Spence from Nottingham Forest is because of Isiah Jones and how good he has been."

The 22-year-old has racked up an impressive 31 appearances for Boro since the beginning of the season and is seen as a real star of the future.

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