ALEX Mowatt’s pursuit of regular first-team football is what led him to complete a loan move to Middlesbrough.

Mowatt’s temporary move from West Brom was confirmed on Saturday on the eve of Boro’s Championship tie against Sheffield United. He came on as a second half substitute and helped them to a 2-2 draw at the Riverside Stadium.

The Baggies boss Steve Bruce was willing to let him go after falling down the pecking order at the Hawthorns whilst needing to clear the wage bill to allow further signings to be made after a recent injury blow to Daryl Dike.

“It’s a great move for me” said Mowatt. “It’s a massive club and to come and play here for the season, I think it’s massive and with the ambitions of the club, it works perfectly.

“I don’t think anybody is happy just sitting around and being on the bench especially if you know that you are not really going to play so I wanted to come here and be a part of the squad.”

 Prior to his debut at the weekend, Mowatt already got a taste of the Riverside atmosphere when he came on as a second half substitute on the opening day of the season.

The former Barnsley and Leeds midfielder continued: “It was booming to be fair. It was the first game of the season and it was a lively crowd. Obviously I was in the opposite team but it will be nice to see the home fans this time.

“It’s two teams that should be right up there at the end of the season, I thought it was a great game. Hopefully I can add to that and help the team.”

Mowatt has been a promotion winner in the past with Barnsley. He played a starring role in 2019 as they finished League One runners up.

Boro and manager Chris Wilder are harbouring hopes of a promotion push to the Premier League his season and Mowatt feels his experience can add value to the squad.

The 27-year-old added: “I’ve been in younger dressing rooms, I’ve been in a lot of older dressing rooms so I think you need that right balance. Hopefully I can add a bit of experience to the team as well.

“It’s Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Wednesday pretty much the whole season with the World Cup. It will be difficult but it’s an exciting season.”