Neil Warnock reveals cheeky inquiry for Stoke City man as Middlesbrough boss praises Paddy McNair's influence

The Potters, who will face Warnock’s side at the bet365 Stadium this weekend, were interested in Boro’s Paddy McNair during pre-season, yet the Northern Ireland international stayed at the Riverside.

Warnock has admitted he considered selling McNair but is relieved he didn’t following the 25-year-old’s excellent start to the season in defence.

When asked about Clucas and McNair ahead of Saturday’s game, Warnock said: “Sam is in midfield and Paddy is at the back. I read somewhere that Paddy doesn’t like playing at the back. I don’t know who wrote that, I just think it’s made for him.

“I don’t think we were ever in line to get Sam, I just cheekly said that when they asked about Paddy because I think Sam is about £10million. I don’t think we ever had a chance of getting him.”

McNair mostly played in midfield last season but has looked at his best operating as a centre-back, in a back four or back three, this campaign.

The Northern Irishman’s performances recently earned him a new contract at the Riverside, which will run until the summer of 2024, while Warnock believes McNair has helped players like Dael Fry, Anfernee Dijksteel and Marc Bola in Boro’s backline.

“I don’t think he would have signed a new contract if he hadn’t been told where he’s playing,” added Warnock when talking about McNair’s performances this season.

“He’s just a manager’s dream, there are so many different players here that I think wow, how lucky am I to manage a group like this.

“When you see the potential and how they come out, it’s not long ago Paddy wasn’t even a regular in the team.

“You just have to look at how he’s blossomed and how he’s brought Dael Fry back to life, and how those two have brought Bola and Dijksteel back to life.

“You go further forward and I don’t think I’ve ever seen (George) Saville play so well.

"It’s just a thing which builds up and makes people a bit more confident.”

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