Neil Warnock provides encouraging Middlesbrough contract update as ex-Sunderland man signs new deal

McNair has started every minute of every league game for the Teessiders this campaign while also impressing for Northern Ireland.

The 25-year-old, who joined Boro from Sunderland in 2018, had 18 months left on his contract but has now penned a new deal which will run until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Boro have stepped up their contract negotiations in the last few weeks, with Jonny Howson, Anfernee Dijksteel and Sam Folarin all putting pen to paper.

After McNair signed a new deal on Tuesday, Warnock told the club’s website: “It’s another step in the right direction for the club.

“We want to almost build a team around Paddy. He has excelled this season, and he’s loving every minute of it. It took him two seconds to agree to a new contract which I thought was fantastic.

“I’m absolutely delighted and this is another important step for the club for the future.”

Warnock has been giving his recommendations to Boro chairman Steve Gibson and chief executive Neil Bausor and is hopeful more deals can be agreed.

“With the new contracts, I think that's just good business from the club,” added Warnock.

“I'm bound to give my recommendations to Neil and Steve regarding the future of the club. I thought it was important we have some of the key figures tied up for longer.

“We're talking all the time to players and about strategy for the coming seasons.”

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