Neil Warnock quizzed on Middlesbrough's goalscoring woes, QPR team selection and Djed Spence absence

Warnock was appointed at the Riverside 12 days ago but has already faced three games in that time.

Boro are the lowest scorers in the Championship with just 40 goals in 41 games and their attacking struggles were once again highlighted during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by QPR at the Riverside.

The hosts’ best chance fell to Ashley Fletcher in the first half while substitute Lukas Nmecha also missed a decent opportunity in the closing stages.

“We can’t do much on the training ground because we haven’t got time,” said Warnock when asked how he can solve the issue. “We worked on finishing the first few days that we came but unfortunately we are up against it with the travelling and the games.

“Overall it’s just confidence. The chance which Lukas had, in training he’d put every one of them away.

“It’s just a matter of doing the right thing at the right time really.”

Warnock made three changes to his side following Thursday’s defeat at Hull, with Harold Moukoudi starting in a holding midfielder role and Ravel Morrison also coming in.

When asked about his selection call, Warnock replied:” I thought Moukoudi did ever so well and I thought Ravel did as well. I was pleased with them two.

“I just thought (Eberechi) Eze and the lad behind the striker had a little bit too much for Jonny Howson.

“Harold has been very good in training so I just get feelings like that, I think in that department we did well.”

Boro were also without defender Djed Spence who suffered a dead leg at Hull, yet Warnock hopes he’ll be available for Wednesday’s trip to Millwall.

“It would have been nice to have him today, it’s no good lying to you,” said Warnock when quizzed on Spence.

“There’s not a lot wrong, he’s got a little bit of blood from a dead leg. I expect him to be available Wednesday, I’d be surprised if he’s not.

“You know what he can do for us and that’s what we missed down that side.”