Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock reveals why he left Patrick Roberts out at Millwall ahead of Bristol City clash

Roberts had started all three games under Warnock before Wednesday’s 2-0 win at The Den, but had been withdrawn early each time after coming back from a lengthy hamstring injury.

Boro changed formation at Millwall, switching to a back three with wing-backs to match The Lions up.

When asked if his decision to leave Roberts on the bench was tactical or to allow the winger some recovery time, Warnock said: “No not at all, he was fully fit Patrick. He could have played the full game, it was just tactical.

“I felt we had to be really, really solid at Millwall, I didn’t want to jeopardise some of the lads having to do more than they should have done.

“I think everyone had to know what they were doing and they did it, everyone stood up, so I was quite pleased about that.”

“Patrick is an exciting player, make no mistake I love watching him when he gets the ball et cetera but sometimes you have to forgo that.”

The change of system saw defender Ryan Shotton recalled to the starting XI at centre-back, and the 31-year-old produced a man of the match performance at The Den.

Warnock was also quizzed if the change of system was to shackle Millwall’s gameplan or because of back-to-back defeats by Hull and QPR.

“I thought we had to get Shotton in the team if I’m honest,” Warnock replied when asked about his decision. “I thought we needed his voice which I saw around the training ground that week.

“That was the only way really, I don’t think I could have put Ryan in a back four. I fancied him in a five and I thought it came off like that.

“I thought he led us all from his position, a lot of good talking which is what we needed I think.”