Former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock says Djed Spence's loan move to Nottingham Forest was for him to "sort himself out."
Spence arrived at the City Ground in August on a season-long loan spell and has made a big impact, becoming a key part in Steve Cooper's squad.
The 21-year-old has excelled for Forest, with 21 appearances under his belt in the Championship thus far, before catching the eye in the FA Cup as the Reds defeated Arsenal at the weekend.
There were fears that Spence could end up back at his parent club this month after recently appointed Boro boss Chris Wilder - who replaced Warnock at the helm - admitted the possibility of a recall during the transfer window.
However, it has since been confirmed Spence would remain at Forest for the rest of the season after both parties came to an agreement.
It was Warnock who initially allowed Spence to leave Boro on loan and he told the talkSPORT breakfast show: "I let him go. He needed to sort himself out, really.
"I basically said to him that you can go to the top or you can go non-league.
"I think Steve Cooper is the manager for him, to be honest. He has let him go forward more often, which suits his game."
