Neil Warnock reveals Middlesbrough injury blow and drops selection hint ahead of Bournemouth clash

The Teessiders are six points off the top six with eight games remaining, while the Cherries, managed by former Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate are three points better off.

Warnock admitted he has a couple of injuries to contend with ahead of the trip to the Vitality Stadium, with defender Anfernee Dijksteel out for the season with an ankle issue, while Marcus Tavernier pulled his hamstring at Millwall last time out.

When asked about Tavernier, Warnock replied: ”He’s struggling and obviously Dijksteel is out. We have a couple more knocks as well but we’ll have to see today.

“We are training in about half an hour.”

Boro will then fly to Southampton on Thursday afternoon, with Northern Ireland duo George Saville and Paddy McNair set to join up with the squad following international fixtures.

“Paddy and George lasted the games with Northern Ireland, they will fly down to Southampton and meet with the squad there,” added Warnock.

“I didn’t want to play either of them if I didn’t have to, but it looks like I may have to.

“Looking round the squad yesterday we are a bit thin, we just have to work with what we’ve got and give it our best shot.”

Despite a lack of options Warnock wants his side to go on the attack against Bournemouth, which he says will be reflected in his team selection.

“I don’t think anyone is giving us much of a chance now, so I feel like we might as well have a go,” the Boro boss added.

“You’ll see from my team selection that’s what I want to do.

“That’s what frustrated me in the first half at Millwall. There’s certain things I can’t tolerate, but I don’t mind getting beat if we give it a good go.

“I’ve made that known to the players, and they know that once it’s said, it’s done.

“I told the lads my team on Monday, which is unusual. One or two still have things to show me, they know exactly what we’re planning and what I want from them.”

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