Until the arrival of Jay O'Shea, Kyle Naughton was the only loan signing who attracted Gordon Strachan's attention despite having no links (that we know about) to Celtic. He did however have a loan spell at Gretna, which is possibly why Strachan was aware of him!
What caught Strachan's eye was the 21-year-old's ability to keep possession, clear his lines, keep a cool head, cross and pass accurately, and steam forward at any opportunity to join the attack.
He can also take throw-ins like a mini Rory Delap!
Yet Naughton himself believes his defending is the lesser aspect of his game.
He said: "That's [getting forward] what my game is, that's what I do. I mean, I defend as well but my game is to get forward help out and put good crosses in and stuff."
Naughton can also play midfield if required, and said he enjoyed linking up with fellow defender Justin Hoyte as the pair have swapped between playing on the wing and in defence.
"He [Hoyte] played right wing, I played right-back and then the other way, I played right wing and he played right-back. It helps us with what we are doing, I don't mind playing with Hoytey because I know what he wants, its nice."
Like pretty much everyone in the Boro squad, Naughton has had an injury recently, the youngster was subbed against Derby County with a knee injury and has been in and out of the team in the games which followed.
"I came off with my knee, there's fluid behind it. He [Hoyte] came in and did well so its right he stays in the team. he explained
"I'm not one to stay out, if i've got a little injury I like to see it out, try to run it off.
"It's still a bit sore but I just get on with it."
The youngster settled into to the Boro side almost immediately and confirmed he is enjoying his time here.
"Everyone's really friendly and nice, it helps you fit in and I'm really enjoying myself. he said
"At the start of the season, I hadn't played much, all I wanted to do was show what I can do and play as many games as possible."
Naughton knows all about the play-off push, having got to the play-off finals with Sheffield United last season, only to be beaten by Burnley at the final hurdle.
"It's nice when you are up there, [United] got to the final, It was not the best feeling in the world [when they lost] but you pick yourself up."
And the youngster refuses to accept that Boro can clinch that final play-off place.
"I won't give that up until its not possible to get in the play-offs. he insisted.
"I've had experience, it wasn't the best experience but you learn from it. Obviously if we get up there again I will try to share what I learnt and what we did wrong it with the team.
"Hopefully if we do get there we can do it this time!"
Naughton was instrumental in the Blades reaching the play-offs, he scored three goals, and played at Wembley in the play-off final, representing his hometown club.
"It was a once in a lifetime, It was something I can say i've done in my first year."
The versatile full-back was included in the Championship's PFA Team of the Year for 2008-09, and was crowned United's Young Player of the Year.
An Under-21 international, Naughton is on loan from Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur but scored his three career goals in the 2008-9 season at Sheffield United, one in the league, on ein the FA Cup and one in the Carling Cup.
Naughton, said: "It is always nice to get a goal! I've done some dodgy celebration is my time too!
"I did the Peter Crouch robot, I think I probably looked like a right dumpling! So see what happend when I do score."
But Naughton is not shot-shy and has had a couple of opportunties recently.
"Yeh, I think I shanked two and one got blocked!" he laughed "So it doesn't look like I will be scoring!
So he may not be scoring the goals, but Naughton has a game plan for beating Crystal Palace: "We need to get the first goal and then shut up shop and get the three points."
"We have been the best team, [such as] against Newcastle, and once we got in front we sat back a bit, but hopefully we get the three points.
Boro 'welcome' Crystal Palace to the Riverside at 3.00pm tomorrow.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 2/4/2010
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