Marvin Johnson wants a new contract with Middlesbrough

Now, after proving his commitment to the cause by leaving his one-day old son to feature in Jonathan Woodgate’s starting line-up, the 29-year-old is hoping to secure a new contract before the end of the season.

Like a number of his Boro team-mates, Johnson’s current deal is due to expire in June, and as things stand, he has not held any discussions over a new agreement.

At the start of the campaign, an extension of his stay on Teesside looked extremely unlikely. He spent last season on an unsuccessful loan at Sheffield United and had struggled to establish himself after leaving Oxford United in the summer of 2017.

Things have been different this term, with Woodgate handing him 17 Championship starts, and his ability to play in either midfield or defence has emerged as a major asset. As a result, there is a good chance of him being offered a new deal, and while he insists he is not fretting over his future yet, he readily admits he would love to remain on Boro’s books.

“Of course, I want to stay,” said Johnson. “I love being here and I love playing here. I love the fans, I love the team and it’s a brilliant place to be. It’s something we’ll have to have a look at further down the line, but it’s not in my mind right now.

“With everything that’s gone on, I have to be focused on the next game and trying to do as well as I can in the rest of the season. After that, we’ll deal with the contract situation when it comes to it.”

Johnson admits he feared for his future when he returned from Bramall Lane at the end of last season, having made just three league starts for the Blades.

However, he impressed Woodgate during pre-season and has worked diligently to establish himself as a permanent part of the first-team squad.

“It’s been good for me this season,” he said. “I had a bit of a shaky start here at Middlesbrough, and I wasn’t playing as much as any player would like to. But that’s where it’s a mental battle and a test of character. You have to dig in, and you have to work hard every single day.

“The fact that the gaffer took over meant that when I came back, I had a point to prove. I had a point to prove to the players and the fans. I’ve been trying to prove myself ever since I’ve been here, and I can only go out there and give 100 per cent.

“It was tough at the end of last season, but that’s football for you. You learn to deal with it. You can’t get too disappointed, just like you can’t get too high when you are playing.

“I’ve always tried to stay level and grounded, and if you’re not getting picked, the only thing you can do is work hard and stay strong. There’s no point sulking about it because that’s not going to get you anywhere. You’ve just got to stay strong, and when your time comes, take your chance.”

Johnson took his chance on Saturday, driving forward from left wing-back to supply the 88th-minute cross that would have resulted in a Boro winner had Christian Walton not somehow scooped Rudy Gestede’s goal-bound header over the crossbar.

His performance was all the more notable given he had barely had any sleep the night before the game as his partner had given birth to his third child, Cruz, less than 48 hours before kick-off. He was offered the opportunity to drop out of the game, but was adamant he wanted to play.

“I wasn’t going to miss the game for it,” said Johnson. “I wanted to give my all and then I’ll be getting back to him tonight. I was at the hospital, it was all a bit of a rush, but I wasn’t going to miss the game.

“I maybe could have done, but I wanted to help the team. I would love to be there with my new baby, but at the same time, the game today was just as important in my eyes. We needed the points, and we need to get some more wins under our belt.”

Attention now switches to Saturday’s game with Brentford, who showcased their qualities as they scored five goals at Hull at the weekend.

“We’re playing well at the minute,” said Johnson. “Hopefully, that continues.”