JONNY HOWSON has been called lots of different things during his 17 years as a professional footballer. Rarely, however, has he been described as much of a dancer.

In truth, he’s never really been much of a goalscorer either, but when he successfully converted from the penalty spot to claim what proved to be the winning goal in Saturday’s much-needed victory over Southampton, Middlesbrough’s 35-year-old skipper decided to dust off a few moves.

‘Dancing’ would probably stretch it. Having made a beeline for the West Stand, Howson’s celebration was more of a shuffle. Think dad at a wedding, and you wouldn’t be far off. To the veteran midfielder, though, it was a family occasion that had been two years in the making.

“My lad, Harry, plays Fortnite, and he plays football as well,” explained Howson, who will bring up his 700th career appearance in three games time. “He does that celebration when he scores, and for about two years or so now, I’ve told him when I score next, I will do it.

“I’ve not forgotten, and he was there watching as well. So, on a personal note, and a team note as well, it was a really nice moment. When you get to this stage, moments like that are worth taking away with you. I’ll enjoy it.

“My family are probably everything for me now. I’ve got two boys and a daughter, and they all play football. If I’m being fully honest, that’s probably what keeps me going above all else. They enjoy coming to watch me – I think they do anyway – and I’m sure, for them, it’s a nice feeling to come and watch their dad.

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“My lad who I did the celebration for, he gives me stick, calls me rubbish and tells me I’m too old and this, that and the other. But I love it. I love that I can have moments like this because I’m very fortunate in what I do. I’ll be honest, there’s not many people who can have that for their kids. I know I’m hugely privileged I’ve got this role and can give them that.”

With his vast experience and natural propensity towards leadership, Howson is also something of a father figure within the Middlesbrough squad. His paternal instincts have been needed in the last few weeks, with a new-look, youthful group having struggled to find their feet at the start of the Championship season.

Saturday’s win, which saw Riley McGree’s crisp, low finish cancel out a 17th-minute opener from Adam Armstrong before Howson struck midway through the second half, represented Boro’s first league success of the season and lifted Michael Carrick’s side off the foot of the table.

The performance was far from perfect, but it was nevertheless a marked improvement on pretty much all of the club’s displays so far this term, with Boro’s players summoning up commendable reserves of spirit and resilience after falling behind.

To their credit, the Teessiders continued to look to get on the front foot in the wake of Armstrong’s opener, with McGree and Isaiah Jones especially impressive as they took the game to Southampton and began to create chances.

Howson freely admits things have not gone to plan this season, but he has been around football long enough to know when there is real cause for concern and genuinely does not appear to feel that is the case at the Riverside.

“It’s been a tough time recently,” he said. “But the things that the fans won’t see day in, day out, is everyone sticking together and working hard.

“We got together this week, and everyone said a few words about keeping going and hopefully it will turn. We’ve got a young side this season, and for some of these lads, results-wise, it might be the first time they’ve gone through a spell like this where you don’t make a good start and there’s a bit of pressure on.

“So, it can be tough for these guys. But what I will say is everyone has stuck together, there’s been no going off on their own way or doing their own thing. As a team, that will stand us in good stead.”