Middlesbrough's Paddy McNair to serve three-game ban after Swansea red card is upheld

The 24-year-old was dismissed after appearing to elbow Swansea’s Matt Grimes late in the game, a decision which reduced Boro to nine men following Marcus Browne’s red card.

McNair and Browne will now miss fixtures against Stoke City, Huddersfield and West Brom over the Christmas period.

The news will come as a big blow for Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate who has been full of praise for McNair this season.

After barely featuring under Tony Pulis last campaign, the Northern Ireland international has missed just one Championship game this term and excelled in his natural central midfield role.

Boro’s injury situation has improved in recent weeks, yet the Teessiders will still be without Darren Randolph, Ryan Shotton, George Friend and Anfernee Dijksteel for the meeting with Stoke.