'Extra edge' as Leeds United winger Jack Harrison reflects on transformation of player from Middlesbrough spell

Harrison was loaned out to Middlesbrough in January last year immediately after signing for Manchester City from New York City but only four late second-half outings from the bench followed.

The winger then joined Leeds on a season-long loan in July 2018 with the 23-year-old now back at the Whites for a second full season on loan and taking high rank in the Championship's assists and goals charts.

The left-sided ace has already equalled last season's goal scoring tally of four thanks to Tuesday night's late winner at Reading and the winger already has four assists, double the amount contributed last season.

Harrison knows Middlesbrough will be coming up against a different animal to the one they saw briefly at the beginning of 2018 and the Whites loanee is relishing the battle against his former side.

"There has been a big change," said Harrison, comparing his transformation as a player.

"I think adapting to this league and realising how tough it is, such a competitive league, it always takes time to adapt to.

"But I always like going against Middlesbrough and seeing some familiar faces as well, it gives you that little extra edge to win. I'm looking forward to this Saturday."

Reflecting on his loan spell at Boro, Harrison mused: "Being at Middlesbrough was different to New York.

"It was only my second team so it's hard to compare it to other teams in this league but it's completely different to here.

"Although I didn't play that much, I still learnt a lot whilst I was there and am thankful for my time there and the people that I met as well, they are all great guys there as well."

Second-placed Leeds will be bidding for a fifth-straight victory against the Riversiders who are fifth bottom and as big as 11-1 to leave with all three points.

Boro had goine ten games without a win before Wednesday night's 1-0 success at home to bottom of the table Barnsley which took the Riversiders one point above the dropzone.

Harrison, though, knows the unpredictable nature of the Championship makes it impossible to know what to expect.

"That's the thing, you never know in this league," said the Whites loanee.

"Every match, you can't get complacent because you never know what can happen so we have to come out strong again and be ready for anything really."

Reflecting on his recent spate of goals and assists, Harrison smiled: "As an individual it's pleasing to see the stats and seeing your hard work come into effect just through the stats as well.

"But at the end of the day it's all right for me to do that but it's mainly about the team and if I can help the team in one way and another then that's one way I can help.

"To be able to do that, that gives me more satisfaction rather then seeing individual goals or assists.

"If the team is doing well then I am happy too."