Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock quizzed on Adam Clayton's availability and Jonny Howson's absence ahead of Sheffield Wednesday trip

Clayton, who will be out of contract at the end of the season, missed Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by Cardiff City for family reasons, but could return to the squad at Hillsborough.

Boro look light in central midfield after Jonny Howson was sent off for a reckless tackle in the closing stages against the Bluebirds at the Riverside.

When asked about Clayton’s availability during Tuesday’s press conference, Warnock said: “I will speak to Adam. He wasn’t available but I’m going to speak to him later on today about that.”

Warnock has consistently praised Howson over the last few weeks but admitted the midfielder let his side down on Saturday.

“He’s been Mr Reliable since I’ve been here and as he came past me on Saturday I said how disappointed I was with him because it was reckless and there was no need for it,” added Warnock when discussing Howson.

“Now I’ve got to decide who’s going to play in there and how I’m going to play.

“We’ve been looking at everything and I’m sure we’ll come up with a solution that we think is the best way forward.”

Warnock said there were one or two injury niggles following the Cardiff defeat but is hopeful he’ll have a similar squad to choose from against Wednesday.

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