Neil Warnock reveals injury blow ahead of Norwich clash while providing updates on Paddy McNair, Sam Morsy and George Saville

The 25-year-old played all three games for Northern Ireland during the international break and only returned to Teesside on Thursday evening.

Some managers have expressed concerns about the international break due to players testing positive for Covid-19, yet Warnock says his squad have returned negative tests.

"Paddy McNair isn't back yet,” said Warnock on Friday morning. “He got back about 7:30 last night so we won't see him for another hour. Everyone else got a negative test."

Warnock did confirm that George Saville will be available again after missing Boro’s goalless draw against Brentford for personal reasons.

Winger Marcus Browne has been ruled out for a couple of weeks, though, after picking up a hamstring injury in training.

Sam Morsy also missed the Brentford game with a hamstring issue but has been training over the international break.

Warnock knows he will have to manage his squad over the next month, with Boro set to play nine games in the space of 29 days.

“He wasn’t 100 per cent,” said Warnock when asked about Morsy.

"We are going to see how he is this morning because we have so many games. I told the physios I don’t want anyone back unless they are 100 per cent.

“Knowing Sam he wants to play every game but we will just have to see what he’s like in training this morning.”

Defender Grant Hall is also fit again after overcoming a calf injury.

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