JONNY HOWSON claims Middlesbrough’s intense midfield competition is a major reason why they find themselves in the Championship’s top two ahead of this afternoon’s game with Nottingham Forest.

Tony Pulis boasts an embarrassment of riches in the central midfield area, with Howson, Mo Besic and George Saville having started Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Ipswich Town.

Adam Clayton is available to return against Nottingham Forest this afternoon after completing a one-match win, and despite his extensive experience, Grant Leadbitter has not even been making the 18-man squad in recent weeks.

Lewis Wing is another player who has found opportunities hard to come by in the last month, and while some of his team-mates might be disappointed by their lack of action outside the Carabao Cup, Howson is adamant that such fierce competition can only be of benefit as Boro look to haul themselves back into the Premier League.

“It’s healthy competition, and as midfielders, we’ve all got that mutual respect,” said Howson. “The bottom line is that we all want to play. There’s no denying that. But it’s for the benefit of the side.

“If you’re playing, you’ve got to keep on your toes because someone’s trying to get your place, and if you’re not in the side, you’ve got to keep sharp and fit for when you may be called on. It’s healthy competition.

“It’s nice to be playing, but with the competition we’ve got, you know that if you do slacken off, there’s not just one player, there’s two or three that can come into your place. Much as things might be going well for the side, we know as individuals that we can’t switch off because there’s people that can come in and take your spot.

“I’ve always said that competition for places is good for a team, and I think we’ve got that. I think we’ve got a terrific bond in the group, there’s no bad lads, and we’re all in it for the benefit of the side.”

Howson has arguably been Boro’s most consistent midfield performer this season, with his individual form reflecting his side’s impressive record. The Teessiders head into today’s game level on points with league leaders Leeds United, and are still to concede a league goal at the Riverside this season.

“I possibly feel more comfortable than I did in the past, although sometimes I think that goes with performances and when you’re winning games,” he said. “We had it a little bit under Garry Monk, but that was then and times have moved on. When things are going well for the team, it seems to be going well for every individual in it.”