MATT Crooks can become a favourite amongst the Middlesbrough fanbase for years to come according to the manager Neil Warnock. 

Crooks, 27, has established himself as a regular in Warnock's side this season with 11 appearances and two goals since his summer switch from Rotherham United. 

The attacking midfielder already appears to have endeared himself to the fans with his mighty presence in the midfield and his top work ethic for the team. 

He's been used in a number of positions by Warnock this season and has become one of Boro's best purchases during the summer months.

The Boro boss was speaking to the media about his move to Teesside from the Millers where the manager gave Warnock a glowing review of Crooks. 

Warnock said: “I remember Warney (Paul Warne, Rotherham United manager) telling me when they were haggling over money, ‘Gaffer, you’ll never get a better than this lad attitude-wise. I’ve never known anyone like him’.

“To be fair, I don’t think I’ve ever had anybody doing 13km in a game, and he does that regularly. It’s unheard of.

“He does too much sometimes. It’s unusual for me, but I’m trying to tell him not do as much.

“He could do less and be more penetrable by having a breather sometimes and being ready to go in different situations.

“But he tries to help everybody out and he’s a gem.

“He’ll be a favourite for years to come will Crooksy. He’s only a young lad really.”

Crooks has made nearly 250 appearances over the course of his career which included spells at Rangers, Scunthorpe United and Northampton. 

While the performance of the team is currently below par for the fans expectations, Crooks stands apart with solid individual perforances from the team.