'Probably the highest paid player in the league': Neil Warnock wary of Swansea threat as Middlesbrough boss addresses fatigue comments

Ayew has netted six goals so far this season and scored three times in the two league games against Boro last term.

When the sides last met at the Riverside in July, Swansea ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in what proved to be Jonathan Woodgate’s last game in charge of the Teessiders.

Warnock was subsequently appointed at the Riverside and is expecting a tough game against the Welsh outfit.

“Swansea probably got me the job here didn’t they, that was the game before I came,” said Warnock when asked about Wednesday’s opponents.

“By all accounts that was a comprehensive victory by them and they have won quite a lot this season. They have a good side and a good squad.

“They probably have the highest paid player in the league and one of the best forwards in Ayew who is a match for anyone in this league and the Premier League.”

Boro were beaten 3-2 at Huddersfield on Saturday, with some saying the side looked tired at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Yet Warnock doesn’t want to make excuses despite a busy fixture schedule.

"I think we are going to get that said about us everytime we lose a game if I’m honest,” Warnock added.

“I don’t think we should make an excuse like that, I think if we had been three up we’d have been sprinting for England. I think most of it’s in the mind to be honest, I don’t get that fatigue thing.

"I don’t think the mistakes helped the mental side.”

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