Middlesbrough forward Stephen Walker has set his sights on breaking into the Teessiders’ first-team next season once his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra comes to an end.

The 19-year-old made the switch to the League Two side in the January transfer window, and the striker says he is hoping to carry on his good form when he returns to Boro:

“It’s a big opportunity for me and I want to take it, I want to be the best I can so next season I can hopefully do the same in the Boro first team.”

Walker was given his first league start by manager Jonathan Woodgate back in December, and he made eight appearances in all competitions before the turn of the year.

However, with Boro’s injury crisis having eased somewhat, it was decided that he could get more first-team experience out on loan.

Since moving to Crewe, Walker has certainly made an impression, having scored once and provided one assist in six appearances.

The England Under 19 international has been employed on the right-wing by manager David Artell, and he may be hoping for more action in central positions in the future.