Neil Warnock makes Middlesbrough play-off admission after Bournemouth loss plus Dael Fry and Marcus Tavernier updates ahead of Watford and Barnsley

Neil Warnock admitted Middlesbrough’s play-off hopes are probably over after a 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth.
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After falling behind to Philip Billing’s opener, Boro equalised through Duncan Watmore but were only on level terms for four minutes.

Jefferson Lerma capitalised on a mistimed clearance from Sam Morsy to restore Bournemouth’s lead, before Dominic Solanke sealed the win seven minutes from time.

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"I’m disappointed, I thought when we equalised there was only one team going to win it and then we conceded,” said Warnock after the match.

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.
Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.

“I don’t think Sam minds me saying it’s a Sunday league goal really and he’s been superb so he’s disappointed. He apologised to the lads but that’s life.

“I thought we played some good stuff at times, first half I think we dominated and to concede a goal like we did out of nothing.”

Boro were without defender Dael Fry, who Warnock confirmed will be out for two to three weeks with a calf issue.

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Marcus Tavernier was also absent with a hamstring issue and will be sidelined for next week’s games against Watford and Barnsley.

Fry’s absence meant Paddy McNair was forced to play at the back, despite playing for Northern Ireland on Wednesday evening.

Boro also played without a natural centre forward, with Watmore asked to lead the line along with Neeskens Kebano.

When asked about his lack of options up front, Warnock replied: “No comment. I’ve said it every game. How do you think I feel, you just have to bite your tongue although I don’t think their target men were that good.

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“We will get some. I was pleased with Duncan today, he worked his socks off. It wasn’t like at Millwall, I was disappointed at Millwall.

“It is frustrating and you want your season to start next week with two or three new signings and the lads who are injured back in.

“I was gutted when Dael Fry went down because I didn’t want to play Paddy, I think there were a couple of times he could have done better. To play Wednesday, we are asking them to do too much really.”

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