'Read into that what you will': Middlesbrough fans react as duo are absent from Barnsley squad after Neil Warnock makes SEVEN changes

The Boro boss said he’d make alterations following Friday’s Championship opener at Watford, saying he wants to take a closer look at some of the younger players in his squad.

Nathan Wood, Marcus Browne, Marc Bola, Hayden Coulson and Lewis Wing have all come into the starting XI, while Dael Fry will captain the side at the Riverside.

New Boro signing Sam Morsy is also set to make his debut following his arrival from Wigan last week.

Many supporters said the starting XI was stronger than they expected, while there was some confusion about the formation.

Marcus Bettinelli will keep his place in goal, yet the absence of Aynsley Pears and Dejan Stojanovic on the bench also raised eyebrows - especially as the former has been linked with a move to Blackburn.

Warnock said both keepers had been ill in Monday’s press conference.

Here are some of the responses from social media:

@Joembutler: Good to see Wood playing hopefully proves himself tonight

@HairyTraveller1: No Pears, on his way but where's Stojanovic.

@jsayersports: Morsy with his first start also against one of his former clubs. Nice to see Nathan Wood get a start too. UTB

@MatthewBye13: Stronger than I thought! Really doesn’t rate Stojanovic or Pears

@ladyworthi: That's a decent team. I wasn't expecting to see Fletch or Tav in the starting 11.

@ChefJohnQ: 4-3-3?

@BonkersforBoro: No Aynsley Pears in the #Boro matchday squad tonight - read into that what you will

@MFC_Brad: 4-2-3-1?

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