Ben Gibson believes Aitor Karanka’s selection policy brings the best out of the Boro players.
The England Under-21 defender had started six consecutive Championship games prior to Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
However, for the visit of Gary Bowyer’s side, Gibson found himself on the bench with the head coach opting to partner Dani Ayala with Kenneth Omeruo.
“One bad training session and you can lose your place,” said the Middlesbrough-born 21-year-old.
“You’ve got to be right at it every day and that can only be good for us as individuals as well as the squad.
“If you are not at the races you know there’s someone as good as, if not better, sat on the bench ready to take your place.
“The gaffer ain’t going to mess around if you are not doing your job, you’ll get the hook.
“It’s a real good working environment for us and should bring the best out of us.”
Gibson’s career has been on an upward trajectory for the past couple of years.
He gained valuable experience with Plymouth in League Two and York City in the Conference in 2011/12.
That stint at Bootham Crescent included two victorious appearances at Wembley in the play-off final and FA Trophy final.
The following season saw him playing in League One with Tranmere Rovers while, in 2013/14 he made 31 league appearances.
His rapid development has been recognised by North-east football writers, who presented him with their Young Player of the Year award on Sunday.
One stat that demonstrates just how much Gibson’s game has improved this season is his disciplinary record.
He was booked four times and twice sent off for Boro in 2013/14 but this season, he’s been cautioned just once.
Asked what’s behind the reduction, he answered: “Getting used to the speed of the game.
“It was a step up from League One the year before, so everything was a little bit quicker and hopefully I’ve become a better players and become more used to the environment I’m playing in.”
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