Neil Warnock explains Paddy McNair injury and Britt Assombalonga absence after Preston win

The 25-year-old was forced off in the second half of Boro’s 2-0 win over Preston, when he limped around the side of the pitch after being substituted.

“It's a funny one, it's round the front of his kneecap,” said Boro boss Neil Warnock when asked about McNair after the match.

“He knew straight away he'd have to come off. I haven't spoken to the doc because I've had to do all the interviews. We'll find out later.”

Boro will now prepare for this weekend’s trip to Millwall before the Championship takes a break for international fixtures.

McNair was set to play for Northern Ireland during that spell but the injury may alter his schedule.

“If he can’t play he won’t be going but I won’t say that until we know the damage,” added Warnock.

Boro were without striker Britt Assombalonga for the Preston match, with Warnock later explaining the forward’s absence.

“He felt his hamstring yesterday which was tight and the physio said he didn't think it was worth it,” said the Boro boss.

“He said to me tonight that he thought he’d be training on Thursday or Friday.”

Boro were able to welcome back Marcus Tavernier and Ashley Fletcher following injury setbacks.

Tavernier marked his return to the side by scoring the Teessiders’ second goal, with the midfielder reacting quickest after Chuba Akpom’s effort hit the bar.

“You miss Tav,” Warnock added. “He moans like hell but I miss his moaning, he's good to have around the place.

"He's got that enthusiasm, he's like a young kid at school who wants to play in every game.”

“Sometimes he overdoes it and takes an extra touch or whatever but his enthusiasm shines through, you miss your best players

“We've lost (Anfernee) Dijksteel, we might have lost Paddy, they've played about 56 games in 10 months - it's horrendous

"Then the Irish lads go away and play three games in 10 days finishing on a Wednesday night in Northern Ireland and we go to Bournemouth on a Friday. It's scandalous.”

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