Howson thanks Woodgate for Boro defensive help

Jonny Howson is in his eighth season with Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough captain Jonny Howson has thanked assistant head coach Jonathan Woodgate for crucial advice in helping him adjust to a defensive role.

Howson made his first start since December in Tuesday's 2-1 win over QPR as a makeshift centre-back.

The veteran midfielder, 36, was pressed into service because of injuries to all four of Boro's centre-halves and stand-in Luke Ayling.

"The one that's helped me the most is Woody," he told BBC Radio Tees.

"He's someone that I'm always going to listen to because he's passionate about what he does.

"But he's been there and done it at the highest level. And the amount of things I've learned from him is enormous."

'Worst season of my career'

It has been a stop-start season for Howson with the QPR game being only his sixth league start.

He was out from August until October with a leg injury and then a calf problem put him on the sidelines from December until he returned as a substitute in the defeat at Swansea City four days ago.

Since making his debut as an 18-year-old for Leeds United in 2006, Howson has racked up 745 career appearances for the West Yorkshire side, Boro and Norwich City, averaging nearly 37 league games per season across almost two decades.

And with nine games to go this season, he is set for his lowest number played in any season since his very first.

"It's been a frustrating season for myself with the injuries I've picked up and little setbacks along the way," he said.

"It can be tough but I feel for some of the lads who have had longer-term injuries.

"I've been very fortunate throughout my career with injuries but this has been the worst season of my career, but it's perspective isn't it?

"I'm disappointed, but it could have been worse. I could have had these when I was younger."

Listen to the full interview with Jonny Howson on Middlesbrough's Red Alert Podcast. Available on BBC Sounds and by clicking here.