Chuba Akpom latest as Neil Warnock makes free agent admission ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Boro are short of options up front after Ashley Fletcher was ruled out until January with a hamstring injury.

Akpom dropped out of the side due to illness against Coventry on Tuesday but could be fit to play a part against Forest.

"Thank goodness it came back negative,” said Warnock when asked about Akpom’s coronavirus test.

“We were all relieved to find that out yesterday afternoon, I just thought the way things were going it would be positive so it was really good news.

“He’ll be coming in today to see the doctor, it’s just a heavy cold so we don’t want him to get too close to the lads.

“I’ll have a chat with the doctor for a bit afterwards, as long as he does a bit on his own. Even if it means him going on the bench it would be good for us.”

Warnock also said Grant Hall is making progress after suffering a calf injury but probably won’t be available until after the international break.

Boro’s squad remains low on numbers after missing out on several transfer targets earlier this month.

Clubs are still able to sign players who are free agents, an option Warnock did consider.

The Boro boss had identified a couple of striker targets but said it now looks unlikely the club will sign anyone before the transfer window reopens in January.

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