Former Middlesbrough midfielder Fenton John has impressed during Gateshead’s recent upturn in form.

Gateshead manager Rob Elliot has hailed the impact former Middlesbrough youngster Fenton John has made on his side as they push for survival in the National League.

Almost two years have passed since the versatile midfielder was released by Boro before he joined the Heed on a permanent deal after impressing during a loan stint with Northern Premier League club Morpeth Town. John actually returned on to the Highwaymen on loan last season and also spent time gaining further senior experience with Stockton Town before heading back to Gateshead last summer to spend pre-season working under new manager Alun Armstrong.

After appearing regularly under the former Boro striker, John has taken his game up a level after Elliot was named as successor to Armstrong midway through the season and has been particularly impressive as Gateshead have moved to within touching distance of escaping the relegation zone with a run of just one defeat in their last nine games. After producing a man of the match display in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sutton United, John was at his industrious best in Tuesday night’s win against Wealdstone - and that was enough to earn praise from former Newcastle United goalkeeper Elliot.

He told The Echo: “He was absolutely outstanding and we took him off on Saturday to protect himself because he was running so hard and he was everywhere. He’s a young lad but he’s so robust. He’s been tremendous and he rightly got man of the match. There were a few performances of note but for me, he just gives us so much and I’m really pleased with him.

“He’s only going to get better and I thought that was his best performance on the ball today. He’s always got grit and determination off the ball but he controlled the game when he was in possession and that’s a big step. I am really pleased with him. We brought him in during my first spell here as a young lad released by Middlesbrough and he’s done the hard yards with loans at Morpeth and Stockton and he’s taken his opportunity here.”

The Heed are back in action when they visit promotion contenders Boreham Wood on Saturday before returning to the International Stadium to face title-chasing York City on Tuesday night.

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