Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has challenged Hibs loanee Nathan Wood to go from boy to man at Easter Road.
The defender joined Jack Ross's side on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day.
Having spent time previously farmed out to Crewe Alexandra, Wood does have some first-team experience.
But Warnock wants the promising centre-half to earn more game time to give him the best opportunity to stake his claim upon his return to Boro next term.
"He has got to play games Nathan," Warnock explained.
"And no disrespect to the England youth games but he’s got to play competitive men's games I think to improve.
"That’s what he needs to do. He has a great attitude in that respect, so I think it’s good for him.
"He has to get in the team and stay in the team up there.
"It’s not easy and it’s a tough old league up there.
"Isaiah [Jones] went away last year as a boy and came back a man so it’s done him a tremendous help to show him what it’s like."
