Luke Williams and Nathaniel Chalobah have ability to be stars, says Craig Hignett

Luke Williams and Nathaniel Chalobah have caught the eye of Boro assistant head coach Craig Hignett

Luke Williams and Nathaniel Chalobah have the ability achieve great things in football if they work hard day-in, day-out, according to Craig Hignett.

Boro’s assistant head coach believes the talented duo have bags of technical ability but need to make sure they fulfil that talent by applying themselves in every training session and match.

Both have caught the eye in the Championship in recent weeks and Hignett wants them to build on those promising performances.

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Katie Lunn

Nathaniel Chalobah

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“They are very technically gifted footballers,” he said.

“But the key to succeeding is concentration, working hard every day and trying to get better every day.

“You can’t just coast through training because if you do you will end up coasting through your career.

“If you are focused and work hard every day and want to learn, coupled with the kind of players they are - with the technical ability they’ve got - they will go far in the game.”

Former Hartlepool assistant manager Hignett worked with Williams during the playmaker’s loan spell at Victoria Park earlier this year and has huge faith in the 20-year-old.

He said: “I think Luke is at his best when he knows people believe in him. Aitor’s given him a chance and he’s been excellent against Brighton and Derby.

“I think you can really see him enjoying his football again.”