Nathan Byrne seizing his chance at Wolves

The wide man, signed from Swindon Town just before last summer's transfer deadline, has found it difficult to cement his place in Kenny Jackett's side, starting just seven league games.

But injuries have opened up a place for the 23-year-old, who has started Wolves' last two matches and now hopes to become a permanent fixture in the team.

He said: "That's the plan. Obviously, I'd like to be playing more than I have been, but I'm happy I was in the team for the last game.

"Hopefully, if I'm picked at Middlesbrough I can show more of what I've got. In my position, there's probably six or seven boys there that are really good wingers.

"It's obviously tough but I knew coming here it wouldn't be easy and I wouldn't walk into the team and play 50 games in a season.

"It's a learning curve. It's my first season in the Championship and I've really enjoyed it. I'm learning every game."

How has the former Spurs youngster found the step up from League One to the Championship? He said: "It's about what I thought it'd be.

"Quality-wise I don't think there's much difference from League One, apart from the odd player, but physicality and fitness are the two biggest differences.

"Everyone's got to be strong and as fit as you can possibly be."

Byrne set up George Saville's opening goal in last weekend's huge 2-1 win over Derby County.

The winger was delighted to contribute and hopes the team can now go on a run – with him in it.

He said: "To start is a bonus and getting an assist and a win is perfect for a winger, I was delighted with it.

"I've been given a chance and I'm looking to take it. The boys knew we had to step up, not hide away from it and I think we showed that against Derby.

"Hopefully, we can go on a run now and finish the season off strongly."

Wolves will again be without injured trio James Henry, Mike Williamson and Michal Zyro.

They have their work cut out against miserly Boro, who have conceded just five goals at home all season, the best record in the division.

But Byrne thinks if Wolves nick the first goal, they have a good chance of causing an upset.

He said: "We know it's going to be a really tough time, but there's not a better time to play them after beating Derby.

"Most of the pressure's on them, being where they are in the league and being such a big club.

"They know they've got a good chance of going up and every point counts.

"They'll definitely be feeling more tense than we will. We'll go there and try to play our normal game and take the good things from Derby and, hopefully, build on that now.

"It's on TV, everyone wants to play on TV and for people to see what they've got. Everyone's buzzing for it.

"They're a strong side, they don't concede many goals, hopefully we can change that.

"We know the first goal is massive, especially against a team like Middlesbrough.

"That's the plan, to hopefully score first and go on from there to get a positive result."