JOHN JOHNSON is a versatile player who can play right-back, centre-back and midfield and is another bright prospect from the Academy.

Hailing from Middlesbrough's Park End area, he joined the Academy set-up as a scholar in 2005.

Johnson put in a string of impressive performances for the Reserves in the 2007/08 season and signed a professional contract in the summer of 2008.

He was heavily involved in Boro's 2008/09 pre-season campaign and showed no sign of nerves when he took part in the Algarve Tournament games against Champions League qualifiers Celtic and Vitoria Guimaraes.

Made his first team debut at home to Chelsea in October 2008 and played five games on loan with League One Tranmere Rovers in December that year.

Injuries prevented further appearances and after undergoing knee surgery in May 2009, John spent most of the summer at Rockliffe in the gym regaining full fitness. A tough lad with an excellent attitude.