SCOTLAND UNDER-21s Leaving Hearts for Boro 23s lifted me
McGhee wants to make loan switch permanent
for compensation but they have agreed a fee with Middlesbrough and I have been delighted with my ex per ienc e . We’ll see what happens in the summer. “Boro are happy and I’m happy and although I’ve not had a chance to speak to my agent everything is going according to plan. The work with the first team has been a real boost. Jordan Rhodes was there earlier in the season and the last few weeks it has been Alvaro Negredo and Adama Traore. “It has been great just being around these big names and seeing how they handle their lives at the top of the game. “The new manager, Steve Agnew, wants some of the young boys involved in training as well, which has been great. I’ve also spoken to the coaches and the assistant manager – they have been delighted with my attitude and application and how I’ve played.” Given he’s being groomed by an English top-flight team Hearts’ lack of interest in his progress is a surprise. He said: “I keep in touch with all the boys – I’m still part of the group chat so I know exactly how it’s going. “But the new manager did text me on Monday to get a catch-up after the Under-21 game, just to try to introduce himself because he hadn’t had a chance. “That’s the first contact he has made. It’s actually the f irst time someone has contacted me from the club.” That meeting hadn’t taken place by the time McGhee left the Paisley 2021 Stadium last Tuesday but he added: “These things happen in football. “Sometimes it’s the right time to go and you need to move on in your career. Hearts have been great with me, letting me go, and Middlesbrough have been great looking after me. It has worked out well and hopefully it will work out for Hearts if they get a fee for me.”