'He hasn’t really put a foot wrong': Neil Warnock explains defender's omission as Middlesbrough boss hopes for boost ahead of Preston and Millwall

Ashley Fletcher and Marcus Tavernier could return from injury this week for Middlesbrough’s games against Preston and Millwall.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Fletcher has missed Boro’s last four games with a glute issue, while Tavernier limped off with an ankle injury in a 2-1 win over Coventry earlier this month.

"I think both Fletcher and Tav are going to be training,” said Warnock ahead of the Preston game at the Riverside.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Hopefully if not tomorrow then Saturday they could be available before the international break.”

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.
Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.

Darnell Fisher has also started Boro’s last four games on the bench after suffering an Achilles issue, while Djed Spence picked up a knock against Stoke last time out.

Fisher, who joined Boro from Preston in January, will be hoping to play against his former club and Warnock has been impressed with the 26-year-old since his arrival at the Riverside.

“He’s done really, really well and hasn’t really put a foot wrong,” Warnock added. “He’s just got an Achilles tendon problem so I didn’t want to rush him back and then lose him, especially now (Anfernee) Dijksteel is out for the season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ll see how they are today because Djed picked up a bit of a knock on Saturday so we’ll just have to see this afternoon when they are all in.”

Boro remain ninth in the Championship and eight points off the play-off places despite their 3-0 win over Stoke.

After this week’s matches, Boro and their league rivals will have two weeks without a game due to international fixtures.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor