Marcus Browne situation explained after Oxford interest and lack of game time at Middlesbrough

Browne, 22, has made just two league appearances for Boro this season but did score his first goal for the club after coming off the bench against Bournemouth in September.

Warnock has admitted the winger would probably be suited to another loan move after impressing at Oxford in League One last season.

The U’s were interested in re-signing Browne but Warnock didn’t want to lose another outfield player while his squad is low on numbers.

“Marcus has done really really well,” said Warnock when asked about the wideman.“On the training ground Marcus can't do anymore, day in, day out he's been unbelievable.

“The problem for Browney is we've played a different system, he's suited to a 4-3-3. But I said to him, with only two fit centre-halves we might have to go to that system.

“We're only talking about 10 weeks to January. It's not a lot to ask someone to stick around.

“If he didn't get a look in until January then I'd help him out but at the moment our needs are greater. He's playing really well.”

Boro have played a 3-5-2 formation for most of the season but did switch to a 4-3-3 system against Reading on Saturday.

Warnock also believes Browne can make an impact off the bench like he did against Bournemouth.

“It may be that we change a system during the game and he can come on,” Warnock added. “I do think wide of a three is his best position.

“He's never wanted to leave, he's always wanted to get in the team and he's doing that every day in training.

“He looks very sharp, he scored the goal when he came on against Bournemouth,

“He knows he's got to give it his best shot. As I've said to one or two, when January comes around, if they haven't had a look in I'll have a look around and see what's what, but at the moment we haven't got the players so we can't be letting anyone out.”

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