Stoke City boss Michael O’Neill comments on summer interest in Middlesbrough's Paddy McNair after cheeky Sam Clucas inquiry

McNair has been excellent for Boro this season after changing positions to play in defence, and was rewarded with a new contract at the Riverside earlier this month.

Yet Boro boss Neil Warnock has admitted he considered selling the Northern Ireland international at the end of last season as he looked to rebuild his squad.

O’Neill worked with McNair when he was Northern Ireland manager, while reports in the summer claimed Stoke were interested in the 25-year-old.

It was also suggested that Boro offered McNair to Stoke as part of a swap deal which involved midfielder Sam Clucas going the other way.

When asked about Clucas ahead of Boro’s 1-0 defeat at Stoke, Warnock said: “I don’t think we were ever in line to get Sam, I just cheekly said that when they asked about Paddy because I think Sam is about £10million. I don’t think we ever had a chance of getting him.”

After the match O’Neill was asked about Stoke’s interest in McNair, to which he replied: “There was a conversation and let’s just say that was as far as it went and leave it at that."

Despite talks breaking down O’Neill says he’s pleased for McNair but says he’s surprised at the player’s new role.

“Paddy is a player who I obviously know well,” said O’Neill. “I gave him his international debut, bringing him through from the under-21s to the senior team when he was only 19 and had played a handful of games for Manchester United.

“I’m glad to see him doing well, he’s a very good player. It’s not where I would play him but he’s done very well as left-sided centre-back for Middlesbrough. It shows you his versatility.

“He’s obviously had a very good start to the season because Neil has signed him on a long-term contract and said he wants to build the team around him.

“That’s good for Paddy because he’s a good boy and I like to see him do well – other than against Stoke.”

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