ONE former Middlesbrough star features in this week's North East Notes - and an attacker who was "close" to joining Sunderland this summer.

There's also Eddie Howe on the importance of Newcastle improving their away form ahead of today's trip to Wolves. And a former Newcastle player who has made his long-awaited international debut.

MIDDLESBROUGH CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM MORGAN ROGERS AMID KIERAN SCOTT OBSERVATION

EX-MIDDLESBROUGH forward Morgan Rogers continues to go from strength to strength and is now ready to step-up and become a senior England international, reckons Boro's head of football Kieran Scott.

Scott was at Kenilworth Road last week to watch England Under-21s take on Austria and saw a player he signed last summer and sold for a huge profit half a season later bag a double in a 4-1 win.

Rogers has been a key figure for Aston Villa in the early weeks of the season and Scott thinks it's only a matter of time until he gets the senior call.

"Morgan, as we've spoken about on a few occasions, was a unique situation in that we saw massive potential in him as a group of staff and within six months he's almost released it," said Scott in a special feature interview on the Northern Echo's You Are My Boro podcast.

"I'll be honest, I went to the game at the Under-21s at Luton and watched Morgan play and he looked levels ahead at that level now. I think he's ready to make the step-up at that level."

If, as looks likely, he does step-up and make his senior debut, that will be good news for Boro - for it's understood it will trigger another payment from Aston Villa.

And Boro are still benefiting from their success with Rogers. It was used in the sales pitch to signings in the most recent window.

Scott said: "Our recent success with individuals is there to see. It does sell when we speak to players."

  • LISTEN TO OUR FULL IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW WITH KIERAN SCOTT HERE.

STRIKER'S SUNDERLAND TRANSFER ADMISSION

Striker Roko Simic has admitted he was "close" to joining Sunderland in the summer.

The striker is understood to have held talks with the Black Cats at the Academy of Light during the window but eventually signed for Cardiff.

The 20-year-old signed a four-year deal with the Championship club before being sent out on loan to KV Kortrijk - though the Bluebirds have a recall option in January.

And he's now opened up on his summer transfer options and his delight at joining the Welsh club.

"Sunderland were close," he said.

"My first club, Dinamo Zagreb, also wanted me. There was interest from Udinese and some other clubs, but that is no longer important. Now I’m here. And I feel good here. I feel peace and tranquillity in the club and that is important to me."

Simic feels he's at the stage where he now needs to be playing regularly, which might explain his summer decision and the initial Kortrijk loan.

He said: "In Salzburg they have five or six players for each position.

"Even if you score, they put someone else in your place the following week. I want to develop into a strong footballer and that is only possible if, in addition to the training sessions, you can also play regular matches with commitment."

HOWE WANTS TO 'REWARD AWAY SUPPORTERS'

Newcastle can't afford a repeat of last year's away struggles if they're to be successful this season.

But getting to the root of the problem last year wasn't easy.

The Magpies picked up a creditable point at Bournemouth in their first away game of the season but their comfort on the road will be put to the test in the next week, with today's game against Wolves followed by a trip to Fulham.

Howe was this week asked whether he thinks there was a mental aspect to last season's travelling trouble.

He said: "Well I think it's more that the inspiring aspect of St James' Park is so big for us, the environment is so good, it's so weighted in our favour, the supporters have been incredible, that's elevated our levels without a shadow of a doubt.

"Then you go away, the environment is different. The away support has been incredible. We need to reward that away support with more wins. A lot of that I think comes down to defensive performance. If you're not conceding goals and you're in games, I think we have the quality to take games in any situation. So I think if we defend well first, I think that will give us a great chance."

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EX-NEWCASTLE KEEPER MAKES LONG-AWAITED INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

FORMER Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow became Wales' oldest debutant since World War II when he lined up against Montenegro during the break, just a month shy of his 34th birthday.

At various times during his nine-year stay with the Magpies, Darlow had the chance to play for Wales but, for different reasons, opted against it.

But a Zoom call with new boss Craig Bellamy finally kick-started his international career.

“At different times in my career I’ve had probably different commitments in terms of getting to play games,” said Darlow, now at Leeds, who is the grandson of Wales 1958 World Cup squad member Ken Leek.

“There have been certain points in my career when I didn’t feel it was right for me to come. I feel now I’m so motivated and determined to help this Welsh squad qualify for the World Cup.

“I had a fantastic Zoom meeting with the manager. Everything he said ticked all my boxes and he was pleased with how I came across as well.

“It’s a new era and the main goal for me and the squad is to get to the World Cup.”

Darlow first came under the Wales microscope over a decade ago during a loan spell at Newport.

He has gone on to make 250 career appearances with spells at Newcastle and Nottingham Forest and is currently number two to Illan Meslier at Elland Road.

“I probably thought this door was closed, but I’m delighted the manager wanted me here,” said Darlow.

“We collided together at the right time and we’ve got certain similar ambitions.

“There’s a World Cup I’d be desperate to be part of, and if I can help in that journey then that’s something I can look back on my career and be proud of.

“I was so proud to be out there wearing the shirt and to have a win on the back of it. Just so thankful to everyone for allowing me to be here.

“My family is beyond proud. My mum, dad and nan came down to the Turkey game and absolutely loved it.

“My nan Janet was made up to be back in Cardiff and enjoy the game. It’s a special moment for them.

“I know everything about my grandad’s career and it’s something for the family and myself to be proud of.”