Neil Warnock explains tactical decisions formation call and Hayden Coulson absence after Middlesbrough's crucial win over Stoke City

Warnock, who was appointed at Boro on Tuesday, made six changes to the side which lost 3-0 to Swansea last time out, while also tweaking the side’s formation.

Attacking trio Britt Assombalonga, Ashley Fletcher and Patrick Roberts were recalled up top, while Jonny Howson moved into a holding midfield role in front of a back four.

When asked about the thinking behind the changes, Warnock said: "I wanted energy really, I looked at the game last week, (Hayden) Coulson was out injured and Marvin (Johnson) and Djed (Spence) have impressed me in the few days I’ve had.

"The two centre-halves, Dael (Fry) was touch and go if he’d be fit but he came through, and Jonny Howson, you can play him anywhere can’t you so he sat in.

“I thought (George) Saville did a great job today because he had to go to right-back a lot and help out.

"I thought the front three, Britt and Fletch were unbelievable and Roberts, to say that’s his first game since January he gave us an hour."

Goals from Fletcher and substitute Marcus Tavernier gave Boro all three points at the bet365 Stadium and lifted the Teessiders two points above the relegation zone.

Warnock thought his side deserved the win and praised the effort his new players have given him in training this week.

“We worked hard, we’ve had three days with them and have worked really, really hard on how we wanted them to play,” Warnock added.

“We have tried to use the talent we’ve got in the squad as well and it’s great to see it come off. I thought we deserved to win.

“I thought we could have put the game to bed by half-time and it was nice to get the second goal. I think the lads have enjoyed it, nobody likes it when a manager leaves but you just have to get on with it with only eight games to go.”