WATCH: Newcastle's Matt Targett scores shock brace on big night for Middlesbrough

Just a few months ago, Newcastle United were considering a January recall for forgotten Mag Matt Targett.

With Tino Livramento injured and a lack of cover for starting left-back Lewis Hall, Eddie Howe admitted that a mid-season return to St James' Park was under discussion, despite his pivotal role in Middlesbrough's promotion push.

In the end, however, it was Targett's wish to stay on Teesside, where he is not only playing regularly and hoping to get Boro back in the Premier League, but pushing to earn a permanent move to the Riverside.

Before last night, the 30-year-old had only managed seven goals in over 300 career appearances, but he added two to that tally in Monday night's Championship trip to Birmingham, scoring a 13-minute brace to send Boro into an early 2-0 lead.

Targett's two calm finishes, which you can watch below, helped Middlesbrough to a 3-1 win in the end, sending them up to 66 points and four clear of third place Millwall, with Coventry top of the pile on 72 points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGkfY88a7Ro&pp=ygUSbWlkZGxlc2Jyb3VnaCBmLmMu

You can tell he enjoyed it, with his celebrations to the Birmingham crowd that of a former Aston Villa man who took pleasure in scoring away to their bitter rivals.

Targett's brace takes him up to four goals and three assists this season, where he's been one of the top-performing full-backs in the second tier.

His time on Tyneside is done and it's good to see him fit and playing well, although it is a shame that we'll gain no transfer fee for the full-back when he leaves on a free transfer this summer, with his contract up upon the expiration of his loan move.