Adam Clayton relishing renewing Boro midfield partnership with 'top player' Grant Leadbitter

Birthday boy Adam Clayton is looking forward to resuming his partnership with Grant Leadbitter after serving a one-match ban.

But the Boro midfielder, who turned 26 yesterday, knows his performance levels can’t dip at any time during Saturday’s clash with former club Huddersfield because he’ll get it in the neck from the skipper.

Clayton missed last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Reading as a result of the suspension he received when he was sent off in the FA Cup win at Barnsley.

Fortunately, he’s now eligible for the visit of Chris Powell’s Huddersfield and the eagerly-awaited FA Cup fourth round tie against another former club, Manchester City, a week later.

Sandwiched between those fixtures is the home game against Cardiff City on Tuesday night and, after failing to win their last two league games, promotion-chasing Boro need to get back to winning ways.

The Clayton-Leadbitter pairing has proved effective for Aitor Karanka’s team and one half of that partnership has been mightily impressed by the other.

“Grant’s a top player,” said Clayton, who was born in Manchester.

“He played in the Premier League back in the day, and he has been around the Championship for many years and he’s obviously a very good player.

“He’s very good to play with, we’ve got a nice little balance in there, we know each other’s games and what each other is doing most of the time - it seems to be working at the minute.

“When you are winning games people look at partnerships and things like that and say positive things so long may it continue.

“Grant is a very good player and I’m really enjoying playing with him and the season so far.”

Leadbitter doesn’t appear to be a man you take lightly and Clayton admits the skipper does keep his team-mates on their toes.

“He can give you a bit in the ear if you are not pulling your weight,” said Clayton.

“I think he’s been very good in many aspects this season both on and off the pitch as a captain.

“I think at the minute everyone is pulling in the right direction and long may it continue for me and the team.”