GARRY MONK has paid tribute to Dael Fry and Harry Chapman’s performances with England’s victorious Under-20 team and claimed he will ensure there is a pathway for Middlesbrough’s young players to make their mark in the first team.

Centre-half Fry and striker Chapman were both part of the England Under-20 squad that won the World Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Venezuela yesterday.

The pair were unused substitutes in the final in South Korea, but Fry featured in a number of England’s matches earlier in the competition and Boro’s new boss was quick to pay tribute to their efforts.

“It was a fantastic achievement,” said Monk. “I watched the tournament all the way through, and it’s something the club should be proud of.

“For this club to have that coming through, and other like-minded youngsters at the club, just shows what can be achieved. That will be there if they’re good enough and ready.”

Fry has been on the fringe of Boro’s first team for the last couple of years, making seven Championship starts as the Teessiders won promotion two seasons ago and featuring in last season’s FA Cup matches against Accrington Stanley and Manchester City. He also spent the first half of last term on loan at Championship side Rotherham.

Chapman has been a key part of Boro’s successful academy squad in recent years, and has spent time on loan at Barnsley and Sheffield United.

It remains to be seen whether either is able to break into Boro’s first team next season, but Monk claims his managerial track record proves his willingness to give young players a chance.

“I’ve shown in my time in management that I’ve used a lot of young players and given them opportunities,” said the former Swansea and Leeds boss. “I’ve shown I have a track record of that, but at the end of the day it’s about them showing they deserve that chance.

“We’ll have a good close look at the younger players at the club, and there will always be a pathway with me here.”