GEORGE Edmundson plans to "do Jonathan Woodgate's head in" in the months ahead!

The centre-half has only been a Middlesbrough player for a fortnight but has already took every opportunity to pick the brains of the former Real Madrid centre-half - and doesn't intend to stop any time soon.

"He is up there with the best, he was a phenomenal defender," said Edmundson of the Boro first team coach.

"Obviously he is my position and he has worked with us back lads and when he speaks you just listen straight away.

"He has that aura, that authority. As soon as he speaks to anybody you listen because of what he’s achieved in the game and playing for the biggest club in the world so you would be stupid if you didn’t listen to him when he’s talking - you would just be a fool.

"I am probably going to do his head in asking loads of questions. I will just try and learn and try and improve as best I can."

Having joined Boro on loan from Ipswich for the season on deadline day, Edmundson went straight into the starting XI for Saturday's game against Preston and enjoyed a composed and confident debut.

Having not played a lot of football for Ipswich in recent months, Edmundson was understandably nervous before his first Boro outing - but his dad helped ease any anxieties.

"My dad comes to every game which makes it easier and he calms the nerves but it was brilliant, it was great atmosphere and I already can’t wait for Sunderland," he said.

"My dad always sends me texts, ‘be bold’, his famous quote is ‘play the game not the occasion'.

"He always texts me before a game and still wants me to do well. He comes home and away, every game, even if I am travelling and not even on the bench and not involved because he just loves football.

"My mum was here today and two best mates from school as well."

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The international break allowed Edmundson the opportunity to get settled at Boro and the defender has quickly been made to feel at home.

"It’s been brilliant," he said.

"You probably get that from every lad when he comes to a new team but honestly from players to the staff at the training ground, all helping me out, settled me in, everybody has been top notch, honestly, and it feels like proper family club, everybody looks after each other.

"I’ve been in a few dressing rooms and you always get one or two players who you think I am not really a fan of because of personalities, but honestly here at Boro there’s not one player I can speak bad about."

Despite the frustration of having to settle for a draw against Preston, Edmundson was pleased to get 90 minutes under his belt - and can't wait for Saturday's Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light.

He said: "I felt really good, enjoyed it, I’ve been coming here for years, came last season and it’s a fantastic group and fantastic fans."