Neil Warnock reacts as Middlesbrough sign ex-Celtic defender Darnell Fisher from Preston North End

The 26-year-old right-back completed the formalities of his move from Deepdale on Friday morning after joining for an undisclosed fee.

Boro had been looking to bolster their squad in defence following multiple injury setbacks and wanted to add cover at full-back for Anfernee Dijksteel and Marc Bola.

Fisher, 26, has been Preston’s first-choice right-back since joining the club in 2017 but was going to be out of contract at the end of the season.

The ex-Celtic defender also had spells with St Johnstone and Rotherham United.

Neil Warnock said: “We’re delighted to have him. I spoke to Paul Warne at Rotherham who worked with him and he said he’s a smashing lad who’ll fit in really with us.

“He’s an athletic type who’s desperate to come and do well with us. He’s had three-and-a-half years at Preston at this level. He knows what it’s all about and I think he will do well.”

When asked what Fisher could bring to the group, Warnock added: "I think sometimes you need a change when you have been somewhere three-and-a-half-years and I think he’ll enjoy the banter that we’ve got here.

"He’ll enjoy the type of lads we’ve got and I think he’ll fit in, he seems that type of lad when I’ve made my enquiries about him."

Boro completed the signing of Everton winger Yannick Bolasie on loan earlier this week and the 31-year-old is set to be in the squad for the game at Norwich.

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