'He’s the best in the league': Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock hopes for Dael Fry injury boost ahead of Reading clash

The Boro centre-back has missed the side’s last three games with a calf issue but has returned to training.

Following the Teessiders’ 2-1 win over Huddersfield, Warnock said: “It was lovely to see Dael training today, before the game I thought I’m a little bit down, it’s because Dael’s not fit. He cheers me up Dael when he’s fit because he’s the best in the league.

“Hopefully he’ll be okay for Reading now.”

Fry’s absence against Huddersfield meant Grant Hall was handed his first start since September after recovering from a long-term injury setback.

Hall was excellent in Boro’s backline against the Terriers after Warnock changed his side’s formation to play with a back three.

When asked about his tactical switch, Warnock replied: “I think with Grant, the injury he’s had and the time he’s been out, it wouldn’t be fair to put him in a back four. In three he’s calm, collective, he wins headers, he talks, everything I want really.

“I was really pleased for him that he came through like that because it’s been a long injury.”

Marcus Tavernier also missed the Huddersfield match with a knee injury but is almost ready to return.

“Tav is probably another week, he’s trained as well as Dael today but when he kicks it he just feels it a little.

"I won’t push Tav on Saturday but they both should be available for Bristol City and Cardiff next week.”

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