Woodgate refuses to comment on Ben future

Jonathan Woodgate has refused to be drawn on the future of Burnley’s Ben Gibson after the defender returned to Middlesbrough to train with the Teessiders.

The 27-year-old has made just one Premier League appearance since signing for the Clarets in the summer of 2018, and wanted to leave Turf Moor last month.

In a club statement, Burnley confirmed on Wednesday that Gibson had been given permission to train with Boro.

It went on to say: “Unfortunately for the player, the club did not receive an offer it felt was acceptable and he remains contracted to the club.”

Woodgate was then asked about the situation ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Luton Town at the Riverside.

"Ben is training at Rockliffe and he's a Burnley player,” replied the Boro boss.

“I want to talk about Middlesbrough, he's not our player."

The Hatters sit 23rd in the Championship and are seven points from safety ahead of today’s match, but did move off the foot of the table with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday this week.

When asked about Graeme Jones’ side, Woodgate said: “Every game is an opportunity but the Championship is always difficult when you think you are going to win games.

“We will be going to try and win the game, they had a good result against Sheffield Wednesday in mid-week and they play some good football.”

The Boro boss has also been impressed with Luton forward Izzy Brown, a player who is on loan from Chelsea and has racked up six assists in the Championship this season.

"They are a good team and with the budget that they've got it was always going to be difficult for them,” added Woodgate.

“They have got some really good players. Izzy Brown is a really, really good player in that area of the pitch."

George Friend and Ryan Shotton will be available after lengthy injuries, while Daniel Ayala and Anfernee Dijksteel are making progress, with Woodgate adding: “George and Shotton are back. Dani Ayala will be another three or four weeks. Dijksteel should be back next week. Hopefully we can organise a friendly.”