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Middlesbrough academy manager Dave Parnaby eyes Premier League spot

Demarai Gray and Ben Gibson tangle
Image: Ben Gibson: Part of Midlesbrough's success

Middlesbrough academy manager Dave Parnaby has one last wish that he hopes will turn an already excellent season into an extraordinary one.

Parnaby's acclaimed Boro youth sides have swept all before them this season and up to four former graduates are set to feature in Aitor Karanka's squad for Monday's play-off final.

Ben Gibson, Adam Reach, Connor Williams and Luke Williams have all played a part in this season's Riverside revival, and Parnaby is praying one last twist can put the seal on Boro's return to the top flight.

Parnaby told Press Association Sport: "It would be lovely if Ben went forward for a corner in the 89th minute at 0-0 and scored - it really would be the season of all seasons.

"The first team's success is the most important thing but we are very proud to have Ben, Adam, Connor and Luke all pushing to be in the squad to get to Wembley."

Under Parnaby, Boro's academy has become renowned as one of the most productive in the country with Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Chris Brunt and Danny Graham among many who went on to forge successful top-flight careers.

And Parnaby sees no reason why the production line cannot continue even if Boro are soon able to broaden their budget with the help of Premier League TV money.

Parnaby added: "We had 12 very successful years in the Premier League and five years in the Championship and the structure and objectives of our organisation won't change.

"What we have to do is make sure the boys we're moving along the conveyor belt are good enough and prepared enough to know what the manager expects from them, and are able to grab their opportunities with both hands.

"It is about potential and patience. The chairman has supported the academy right from day one and his determination to keep at the forefront of youth development is a key element in the success we have managed to achieve."

Boro's Under-21s clinched a league and cup double this season while the under-18s won two league titles and qualified to play in European competition next season.

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