Neil Warnock reveals Middlesbrough's plans ahead of Sheffield Wednesday trip after Boxing Day match with Rotherham is called off

The Millers had an outbreak of Covid-19 in the first-team squad, meaning Boro won’t play again until their trip to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, December 29.

"I'm disappointed but safety has to come first,” said Warnock when asked about the Rotherham game. “It was a worry at Rotherham, you just have to put safety first.

“Hopefully we can play it as soon as we can in the new year. It's the first Boxing Day in 56 years I think with the family. I'll try and enjoy it.”

After a hectic run of nine games in 29 days, Warnock wants his players to enjoy the next few days but is trusting them to be sensible during their time off.

“We've had to change plans slightly, just some bits and bobs. I've given them a couple of days off which they deserved,” added Warnock.

“They'll do a bit on Boxing Day. We're going down to Sheffield on Tuesday morning and having a sleep in the afternoon rather than the night before. I thought Preston was too long a day.”

“The postponement does give us a breather but I'm not sure this group wants it.

“The training this morning was as good as I've seen since I've been here. I said that to Kevin (Blackwell) and Ronnie (Jepson) after, they looked so sharp.

“I said to them today, enjoy your break but be ready for the second half of the season.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor