Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock set for double injury boost

Warnock was livid after McNair's controversial red card late on in Tuesday win's over Huddersfield Town, which has galvanised their ailing Championship play-off bid.

The Boro chief labelled the decision as 'scandalous' and said after the game that the club would appeal following McNair's challenge on Juninho Bacuna.

If the appeal fails, the return of Fry after a calf issue would considerably soften the blow.

Warnock said: "It’ll be a blow if we lose Paddy, but it was great to see Dael back in training (on Tuesday).

“I was thinking why am I feeling a little bit down? It’s because Dael’s not fit. He cheers me up when he is fit because he’s the best in the league.

“Hopefully he’ll be OK for Reading now. I’ve told him he’s got to be now if Paddy’s suspended!”

Meanwhile, Boro are set for another boost with influential winger Marcus Tavernier back in training after a knee problem and he could return next weekend.

Warnock added: “Tav is another week (before he's ready to return).

“He’s trained as well as Dael, he’s just struggling with side kicks because of the little damage to the knee. He’s just still feeling it.

“But both are doing really well. I won’t push Tav for Saturday, but he should be available for Bristol City and then Cardiff."