Megson envies Boro youth

Bolton boss Gary Megson has heaped praise on Middlesbrough for nurturing so much home-grown talent through their academy.

Boro are becoming famous for handing youngsters first-team fame, with Stewart Downing a shining example of youth rising through the ranks.

David Wheater, Andrew Taylor and Ross Turnbull have all followed the England winger's example to become regulars under boss Gareth Southgate.

Megson admits to being in awe of Boro's academy prospects, with Bolton thus far failing to bring a significant youth team presence through to their first team squad.

Ready

"One of the issues we have at this football club is the academy and I can't see too many being ready for the first team for a while," Megson told PA Sport.

Jimmy Phillips took over as academy manager in April after Chris Sulley's eight-year reign came to an end.

Phillips will be hoping to inspire his youngsters to follow in the footsteps of skipper Kevin Nolan who started in the youth ranks at the Reebok Stadium.

"Jimmy Phillips has come in with a brief and hopefully he can achieve that," said Megson.

"But in this area it's probably as hard as it could be anywhere in the world.

"We are stuck in between Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and even Crewe.

"A lot of players go to Crewe because they know they will get the opportunity to play and then move on."

Inspiration

Megson admits to being inspired by Southgate and his determination and ability to promote young talent.

"They have got some good ones there," he added. "The likes of Wheater, Taylor and Downing is probably the most famous one.

"Gareth has done well and I think he's got one of the best chairmen in the country in Steve Gibson.

"The club looks really solid in terms of the way it's run."