Neil Warnock calls for EFL action ahead of Sheffield Wednesday match + Middlesbrough boss quizzed on Adam Clayton and Ravel Morrison after Cardiff defeat

Charlton’s 2-2 draw with Wigan in the day’s early kick-off means Boro can’t finish in the bottom three if Wigan’s 12-point penalty is applied for going into administration.

Two goals from Josh Murphy and a Sean Morrison opener gave Cardiff all three points at the Riverside before Britt Assombalonga grabbed one back for the hosts.

And while Warnock had no excuses about the result, he didn’t feel the news from Charlton helped his players.

"I think the result came through before the game and I wasn’t happy about that because I didn’t want the players to be aware of that,” said Warnock.

"What will be will be really but the lads are working hard, I can’t fault the lads."

"I didn’t think it helped us but you can’t blame that, they won fair and square and I have no problems with that.”

Wigan are set to appeal their points penalty and there is a slim chance Boro could still finish in the bottom three if it’s not upheld.

Warnock hopes the situation will be resolved ahead of next week’s final match of the season against Sheffield Wednesday.

"It’s to be hoped that everything can be put to bed by then and they must know how important the appeal is,” Warnock added.

“They can’t just drag it on forever can they, hopefully we get a decision by Wednesday.”

Warnock only named seven substitutes against Cardiff with Adam Clayton and Ravel Morrison not even in the squad.

Warnock said Clayton could be available for Wednesday’s match but missed out for family reasons.

"I told him he would be available for Wednesday if I wanted him Adam but at the moment they are doing something family-wise and I said that’s ok with me.

"He was available but we had a chat yesterday and I said it was ok for him to miss the game.”

On Morrison, Warnock added: “I didn’t think I’d use him today. I looked at what we had on the bench and if we had five to use I would have used the five.”