Neil Warnock explains Patrick Roberts absence as well as Britt Assombalonga and Lewis Wing recalls at Birmingham City

Boro won 4-1 at St Andrew’s after goals from Britt Assombalonga and George Saville, as well as a second-half brace from Lewis Wing.

Roberts has made just three starts for Boro this season and could return to parent club Manchester City in January, yet that wasn’t the reason behind the playmaker’s absence.

“Roberts went home ill, he rang up yesterday and said he wasn’t feeling well so he didn’t come into training,” said Warnock.

“He’s had a test but we don’t know what the results are.”

Boro fell behind to Maxime Colin’s opener at St Andrew’s but took the lead after two goals in four minutes before half-time, after goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli made a sharp save at 1-0.

“In fairness the goalie made a good save at 1-0,” said Warnock. “But once we equalised I thought we were right on the front foot and were really dominant.

“There were some good goals and I love to see them on the front foot, we have Paddy McNair doing overlaps in the 93rd minute.”

"I thought their (Birmingham’s) heads went down a bit after the third goal but I thought it was coming. I thought we created a few good chances and picked the wrong pass.

“Britt was a bit greedy a couple of times but when you have not scored for a few games and just got the first one you are like that.”

Warnock made two changes to his team following Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Luton at the Riverside, with Assombalonga and Wing replacing Chuba Akpom and Duncan Watmore.

When asked about his selection decisions, the Boro boss replied: “I just thought Chuba and Duncan looked a bit tired in training and when they came off. Today I thought Britt looked sharp. I thought he did well Britt.

“I think Wingy, what can you say? I thought (George) Saville was outstanding. Sam (Morsy) went to centre-half at the end, I thought the two centre-halves were immaculate and everything that happened in midfield went around Saville.

“I’m really pleased for them all because they are a good group and are thin, we had two goalies on the bench.”

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