A WEEK ago most Boro fans had never heard of Ben Hutchinson but two goals in just over 48 hours have placed him firmly in the spotlight - and that's where he hopes to stay.

The 19-year-old striker admits he hadn't even dreamed of breaking into the first team this early in his career but as injuries bit deep he was called off the bench during Sunday's defeat at Manchester City.

He responded by grabbing Boro's late consolation goal - and followed that up with the equaliser against Blackburn as he returned to the Reserves last night, his fourth in five games this season for Steve Agnew's team.

"A few weeks ago I was playing in the Reserves and didn't think I had a chance of playing in the first team because we had four strikers," says the likeable Nottingham lad.

"Then the injuries struck and I've just tried to take my chance."

Signed from North East Counties League side Arnold Town in 2006 after Boro scouts spotted him scoring four goals in a 7-2 FA Youth Cup victory against Dunston, Hutchinson was loaned out to Northern League Billingham Synthonia last season.

He returned fitter and stronger and with a new found determination to work hard and make the most of his natural talent.

His reward came at the City of Manchester Stadium as he pounced with a late poacher's goal to give Boro's travelling fans something to shout about at last.

"I just remember passing it out wide and Tunny had a shot and I was just there right place right time," he said.

"With 40,000 fans screaming you get nerves but you just try to block it out and get on with it and do the best you can.

"It was the biggest moment of my life to be honest. I wanted to celebrate bad but I knew the situation so I kept it to a minimum. But it was my first goal in the Premier League for the first team so I was delighted."

His family weren't there to see him score but were at the Riverside last night as he salvaged a point with an excellent late goal, while proud granddad Brian in Cornwall emailed the Boro website with a message of congratulations after his debut goal.

"My mum and dad and my uncle came to watch me, they'd driven all the way from Nottingham so I did if for them as well," he said.

"They're delighted and very proud of me because I've had a few knock backs in my life."

He's also had the support of his team-mates, including the many who have made the step up from Academy to first team before him.

He said: "They've all helped me, the likes of Lee Cattermole, he's young and experienced as well and he's helped me a lot. All of them are great."

Next week Hutchinson - who qualifies to play for Jamaica as well as England - is likely to be travelling to play Manchester City once again, but this time to face their Reserve side in the Sports City Arena, in the shadow of the first team stadium.

And he insists he will have no problem keep his mind on the job in hand rather than drifting towards thoughts of stardom.

"Scoring in the Premier League was the best feeling, I've never experienced anything like it in my life but I take every step as it comes and I'm just delighted to be in the fold at the moment."

He's more than happy to continue improving and listening to the lessons from his two bosses,  Steve Agnew and Gareth Southgate.

"They're both great people and they've played the game so they know what they're talking about and I just keep trying to learn from them.

"I want to try to kick on as far as I can get and keep knocking on the door for the gaffer to pick me.

"But first and foremost I want to discover myself in the Reserves. I'm doing well at the minute and whatever else comes is a bonus."

* Meanwhile Boro's James Gray has been placed on standby for the Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming mini qualifying tournament for European U17 Championship. The tournament is being held in Belgium between October 20 and 28.

See both Ben's goals on Boro World now!