Middlesbrough Under-21 manager Paul Jenkins has said that head coach Aitor Karanka has transformed the club during his time in charge.

The Spaniard took over at the Riverside Stadium in November last year and has since guided the Teesiders into the Championship's top three.

"The football club is in a great place," Jenkins told Gazette Live. "The manager has brought in a tight-knit first-team squad with a group of players who know they have to fight for their place every week.

"He has brought a winning mentality to the club. Everyone from the players to the staff know they have to be do their job correctly and to the best of their ability.

"The most important thing for Boro is the first-team and Aitor has created a side that is capable of competing at the very top of the Championship."

Karanka's side return to action away at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.