Neil Warnock hopes for Grant Hall boost which could impact Middlesbrough's transfer plans and Nathan Wood's future

The 29-year-old has been sidelined since September with two separate injuries but has stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, along with striker Ashley Fletcher.

In Hall’s absence, Dael Fry and Paddy McNair have impressed for Boro at the back, yet the Teessiders don’t have many options in the heart of defence.

Boro have looked at signing another defender on loan, yet Hall’s return may alter their transfer plans.

When asked about the centre-back’s progress, Boro boss Neil Warnock said: “We’re hoping the same as Ashley, he’s probably a week behind.

“We are hoping he’s available around the Norwich game (January 30) which will help us because that will be right at the end of the window where we are going to look at what we do in those last few days and if we can bring somebody in.”

Boro have also talked about sending teenager Nathan Wood out on loan but don’t want to leave themselves short of options.

“If I felt the right club was coming in for Nathan I’d love him to have some game time,” added Warnock.

“At the moment he knows with the two we’ve got he’s not going to get much game time but if one of them got injured he would step straight in.

“It’s very strange for him really but having watched him at Brentford there were two or three things he could learn from.

“I think games are going to be vital for these young lads for the rest of the season if they can.”

Last week Boro allowed striker Rumarn Burrell to join Bradford on loan, while the Teessiders are planning to allow more of their younger players to leave temporarily this month.

When asked if there have been other loan offers for any of his players, Warnock replied: “We’ve had one or two enquiries for one or two players.

"I’ll make a decision on that later on when I know what’s coming in and who I can let go.”

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