NEIL Taylor’s conduct during his trial period play a big role in earning him a contract at Middlesbrough according to manager Chris Wilder.

The 32-year-old put pen-to-paper on a deal until the middle of January yesterday and bolsters the club’s options in defence.

Taylor played for Under-23’s side in a game against Nottingham Forest during his trial period at the club.

While Wilder was impressed by his contribution with the Under-23’s, he says part of the decision was made to add competition for places with Boro currently having one senior left-back in the squad.

The 54-year-old said: “It’s a difficult market. We’ve still got a bunch of games before the window opens on the 1st January so it was important that we sourced out the free agent market.

“One of the things that I’ve looked at, and I like, is balance of right and left footers. Round pegs in round holes.

“Marc Bola has obviously had a few issues but I’ve been impressed with Marc as well watching his clips in time that I’ve had but competition for places is crucial as well and I know what Neil is about. His CV speaks for itself and his character speaks for itself.

“He was delighted to get the call to come up. He came up for a couple of days and played in an Under 23’s game.

“I think that’s quite refreshing as well. In a day, it wasn’t about what am I getting out it? How long is my contract? He wanted that opportunity.

“As I said, he’s got a really solid CV, I know a lot about him and he’ll offer competition and pressure on Marc Bola in that position.

“I don’t want to play players out of position. I don’t want to play Tav (Marcus Tavernier) at left wing back. If there’s an injury crisis then people might have to play out of position but round pegs in round holes and a way we want to play as well.

“Maybe a different way of playing than previous managers which I think is pretty common thing to talk about.”

Taylor could be in the squad for Wilder’s first came in charge tomorrow against Millwall at the Riverside Stadium.

Bola and Uche Ikpeazu returned to training on grass this week but it remained unclear whether they would be available for Wilder’s bow as Boro boss.