Walker had a loan spell at Northampton earlier in the season

Middlesbrough midfielder Josh Walker accepts he could still be on his way out of the club, despite his recent return to the first team.

Injuries have forced boss Gordon Strachan to bring the academy graduate, 21, into the side and Walker knows he must make the most of his chance.

"I thought my days were numbered and I am playing for my opportunity elsewhere," he told BBC Tees.

"So I've got to work hard and every opportunity I've got to take."

Walker's first start of the season came in Saturday's 1-0 win against Peterborough at the Riverside, and the Newcastle-born player is likely to feature in Tuesday's trip to Blackpool in the Championship.

And with injuries continuing to plague the Boro squad, Walker expects things to be difficult for the club in the absence of key personnel.

"You're going to miss people like Emanuel Pogatetz, experienced players," he said.

"But we've got young lads here who want to prove a point, and I think a couple of us did [against Peterborough]."

Walker has had loan spells with League Two side Northampton this season as well as time with Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen and League Two Bournemouth since graduating from the Boro academy in July 2005.

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