Middlesbrough: Steve Agnew on defensive team news ahead of Swansea game, his own job prospects and Ben Gibson's England call-up

The Boro head coach spoke about the latest team news ahead of the trip to the Liberty Stadium, his long-term job prospects and the decision to appoint Jonathan Woodgate to the coaching staff.

Here is what he said:

(On the mood in the camp)

“It’s been good. We didn’t get the result we wanted against Man United but looking back there were so many positives from the game. The players have been terrific. We’ve trained hard and we’re looking forward to the game at Swansea on Sunday.

(On Jonathan Woodgate's appointment)

“It’s good. I’ve known Jonathan Woodgate a number of years. What people don’t realise is that he’s a proper football guy, well into his coaching. I couldn’t believe after the session yesterday how excited he was in terms of his work with the defenders. I’m sure he’ll be a great appointment.

“Joe’s brought a lot of experience and Jonathan’s got a lot of enthusiasm. Paul Jenkins has moved up from the Under-23s and he will bring enthusiasm too. There’s Leo (Percovich) with the goalkeepers and we have a real togetherness and feel for each other. Jonathan was a top-class defender and he’ll look at the back four as a unit. I’m really pleased with the appointments.

“Jonathan was a top-class defender, and he’s from the Middlesbrough area so he’s in a place now where he wants to be. He has a lot of respect because of his name. He’s enjoying it, he carries a lot of respect though not just his playing career, but also the way he’s interacted with the group in two days.

(On Ben Gibson)

“Ben came up with a big smile on his face. He was so excited about an international call-up for England. If there’s one player who deserves it it’s Ben. He’s a top class pro and he’s been very consistent throughout the season for us.

“I think Ben can go as far in his career as he wants to. He’s driven, his first thought is Middlesbrough Football Club and he’s a Middlesbrough boy. I’m sure in the future he will get more international recognition. The full cap is probably just around the corner. In terms of moving on or moving to bigger and better things, I think Ben is more than capable.

“It raises the profile of the club, and also Ben’s profile. When the team are playing a game against Swansea and there’s an England squad member in their team then that has to give confidence to everybody on the pitch.

“He is the one that’s level-headed and intelligent. For Ben to keep his feet on the ground is the easiest thing in the world.

(On his own role)

“I haven’t (spoken to Steve Gibson). The one thing with the chairman is that he lets you get on with it. He said get on with it and enjoy it, and that’s what we’re doing. That’s where were at with it. I literally do take it on a day to day basis and enjoy working with the players. I’m looking forward to the Swansea game and that’s it. When a result is positive, it changes so quickly. I’ve experienced that before. With the way the players have responded through the week, we’ll take it into the game.

“I’ve been around Middlesbrough Football Club for a number of years. This is a club where I enjoy working and together I’m sure we will become successful.

(On the Swansea game)

“It’s a challenge for us. Swansea are obviously above the line, so it’s a big game. Every game in the Premier League is a big game though. It’s a great challenge and were all looking forward to it.

(On the home win against Swansea)

“It feels a long time ago. We scored three goals that day and it was a good performance and a good win. Swansea have changed their coach. Paul (Clement) is a very good English coach and I’m sure he’ll have them well organised. They’ve got some creative players when they move forward.

(On working on scoring)

“It is. We haven’t scored enough goals so we have to think of ways to create more chances and convert the chances when they come along. That’s what we’ve been doing and a lot of ideas have gone into the players. I’m sure they’ll respond.

“I just assess Sunday really. All the work we’ve done is on Swansea. I’m really confident and positive.

(On team news)

“We’re okay. George Friend and Calum Chambers are back out on the training ground but they’ll   not be involved at the weekend. They’re not far away.  Everyone else is fit. Dani (Ayala) is fine, he’s trained all week. Cristhian (Stuani) was back this morning, I had a chat with him upstairs and he trained and looked fine.”