Fit-again Middlesbrough fullback Tony McMahon admits he was delighted to make his playing comeback in last week's reserves clash with Liverpool.

It was a welcome relief for the youngster, who has spent much of the last two years on the sidelines after a succession of bad injuries.

"I just want to get back playing football now," he told Boro World.

"I feel quite fit but, obviously my match sharpness will come with time.

"When I'm back in the swing of things I'll be doing my very best to challenge Luke Young who the manager has brought in.

"I'm a determined lad and I want to push on and play in the first team. Gareth has brought players in but he said to all of us the other day, 'It's competition for places'."