'He was incredible': Neil Warnock praises Middlesbrough's unsung hero and reveals what he told Marc Bola before Reading win

Boro moved to within three points of the top six after first half-goals from Ashley Fletcher and Marc Bola at the Madejski Stadium.

Warnock gathered his players into a huddle after the match and the players could be seen applauding after Warnock spoke with them.

“It was a round of applause for Sam Morsy,” explained Warnock. “I thought he was incredible today. I’ve never seen him play like that, he broke it up and did everything I could ask of him.

“Sam is normally an unsung hero who always gets 6/10 and gets criticism from supporters but I thought he was magnificent today.”

The Boro boss now hopes his side can push on to challenge for a play-off spot following a difficult run of results since the start of the year.

“I told the lads, I’m 72 I don’t need to be here to be average and I don’t want you to be average,” he said.

“We have 15 games left and I want us to be involved, let’s have a try. We have great facilities, a great owner, we can’t wish for any more than what we’ve got.”

Bola’s excellent strike from the edge of the box marked his first goal of the season, and Warnock has been encouraging the defender to take more shots.

“Believe it or not he does that in training so we are encouraging him to have a go, don’t worry about hitting the stand,” added Warnock.

“As soon as it left his foot I knew the goalkeeper couldn’t keep that out.”

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