The encouraging Neil Warnock update ahead of Middlesbrough's trip to QPR

The Boro boss contracted the virus last week and has been self-isolated for ten days in line with Government guidelines.

First-team assistants Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson took charge of the side for last week’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Riverside, but Warnock has been in regular contact with his staff via video calls throughout.

Blackwell spoke to the press on Friday morning via Zoom and was asked about Warnock’s condition.

“He’s getting on well to be fair,” said Blackwell. “He’s going to come in this morning and will be in on the team meeting and speaking to the players. He’s well on the road to recovery.

"We speak every day and he’s improving day by day and he’s been able to rest and recuperate.

"To be fair to Neil he looks after himself and does quite a bit of work gym-wise and has been in good nick so he hasn’t really suffered heavily from the Covid.

"When a larger than life character like Neil gets it, it certainly hits home that anyone can get it. We’re not looking for him to travel to London.

“Myself and Ronnie have done all of the preparation and we see this as a final rest for him this weekend.

When asked if Boro have managed to keep the virus contained, Blackwell added: "Everybody is OK, we have followed strict protocols here and you can’t walk 10 feet without having spray all over you but it’s something we know we’ve got to do.

"We all have responsibilities as a society to each other, not just to our players here but to our family at home so we stick to the Covid rules.”

“There’s a definite upturn in this virus, my daughter is an A&E nurse and she’s dealing with Covid and tells me there’s a definite upturn.

"We just have to be aware of the rules and stick to the rules, washing hands and face, and if we all do that we help each other.”

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