Middlesbrough duo to miss season opener against Shrewsbury with Neil Warnock's options limited ahead of Plymouth and Newcastle friendlies

Middlesbrough duo Paddy McNair and George Saville.

As expected the pair have been called up by Northern Ireland for their Nations League matches against Romania and Norway in what will be manager Ian Baraclough's first games in charge.

Boro will host the Shrews on Friday, September 4 (5:30pm kick-off) to start their 2020/21 campaign.

McNair and Saville should be available for the Teessiders’ first Championship match against Watford on Saturday, September 12.

The situation isn’t ideal for Boro boss Neil Warnock due to the club’s lack of signings this summer.

Thankfully the Yorkshireman does have other options in central midfield, with Jonny Howson, Lewis Wing and Marcus Tavernier able to play there, while youngsters Ben Liddle and Connor Malley may also receive opportunities.

Warnock remains hopeful Boro can make more signings in the next few weeks following several first-team departures.

Daniel Ayala, Ryan Shotton, Rudy Gestede, Adam Clayton and George Friend have all left the Riverside recently, while Harold Moukoudi, Patrick Roberts, Ravel Morrison and Lukas Nmecha were available on loan last term.

Boro have made just one signing this summer with centre-back Grant Hall arriving from QPR.

The squad are away in Cornwall this week for a pre-season training camp and will face Plymouth Argyle in a friendly match on Tuesday.

Warnock’s side will then play Newcastle at Rockcliffe Training Ground in another warm-up game on Tuesday, September 1 (1pm kick-off).

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