Middlesbrough fitness boost as Neil Warnock drops selection hint ahead of Stoke City trip

The 22-year-old had impressed the Middlesbrough boss in training before suffering the setback prior to November’s meeting with Norwich.

Warnock has said Boro don’t have any fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stoke, yet defender Anfernee Dijksteel does remain out with a knock.

The Dutchman is on course to return for next weekend’s meeting with Millwall, though, while Ashley Fletcher is expected to be available at the end of January as he continues to recover from a more severe hamstring injury.

When asked about Browne by the Mail, Warnock said: “He’s training hard, I saw him and Fletch the other day.

“The rehabilitation is really good here with the medical people and fitness lads. Even Dijksteel was on the grass yesterday.

“It's only a grade one strain for him so he hopefully shouldn't be too long.

“I try to avoid the doctor at the moment, because it's only been bad news - he's like the lurgy!”

Warnock also said Duncan Watmore will be ready to start at Stoke after scoring both goals in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Swansea.

"He's had his injuries and he's over them now," said Warnock when asked about Watmore.

"In training one day he did well over 10k, I think it was the most they've ever recorded for a morning session, so he's spot on physically.

"There's nothing like playing games to get that sharpness, so it's just about him getting a few games in now."

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