The 20-year-old, who has become a fixture in the Boro side under Mowbray, has been selected for next week's friendly clash with Italy.
His club manager said: "He's a wonderful talent. The day I walked into this building, I saw this little, skinny kid dribbling around everybody, playing great passes, playing with his head up and having a lovely appreciation of football.
"For me, it's down to Joe. He has got things we need to continue to work on with him - he's a fiery little boy, to be honest, which is a good trait to have as a defender, of course, but he needs to temper it at times.
"But talent-wise, athleticism-wise, ability on the ball, he's got it all there and we just have to nurture it and keep it going.
"Let's hope he can continue to be a big player for us."
Source: PA
Source: PA