Middlesbrough man to miss Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday fixtures as Neil Warnock considers options

The 29-year-old, who signed a short-term deal at the Riverside in January, has been absent for Boro’s last two fixtures with a thigh issue after making nine appearances for the Teessiders.

Boro have four games remaining this season, against Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday Luton and Wycombe, but have little to play for in terms of divisional status.

When asked by the Mail about Mendez-Laing, Warnock said: “He’s nowhere near at the moment so he won’t be involved.

“We might be able to get a game out of him but I don’t think he’ll be involved in the next two. Luton and Wycombe he could do.”

Warnock has also confirmed that Jordan Archer will keep his place in goal against Rotherham after making his league debut for the Teessiders against QPR.

The Boro boss is also keen to give 20-year-old Sol Brynn a game before the end of the campaign.

Due to injuries to several first-team players, the likes of striker Josh Coburn, 18, as well as midfielders Connor Malley, 21 and Hayden Hackney, 18, have been training with the first team and were all unused substitutes against QPR.

"I think you have to be careful, it's putting them in at the deep end really," Warnock added.

"Players like Josh have had some really good games for the youth teams and then some average ones as well.

"But I would like to give them a chance, we'll see what opportunities arise and how things go.”

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