Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull admits playing away on-loan was the making of him.

It was while he was on loan at Barnsley that the 23-year-old experienced the loneliness of the loanee goalkeeper and he is glad all that is behind him.

Turnbull said: "I have been in hotels and we are not talking five star. I didn't have the finances then. We had Tranmere away on Boxing Day and myself and Michael Chopra were due to play and the manager preferred us not to go home.

"We had Christmas dinner at the hotel, then played games on the computer and watched Christmas TV.

"It was difficult because you want to spend time with your family but you just have to get on with it. I had some hard times on loan but it made me stronger. I would recommend it to any young player.

"The lower leagues helped me as a player and a person. You don't get it all done for you."