Middlesbrough v Luton Town - Break cannot come soon enough for Neil Warnock’s men

Needing a rest: Boro's Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair, left. Picture: PA

Middlesbrough centre-backs Paddy McNair and Dale Fry need a rest. They will not get one against Luton Town tonight, or Birmingham City at the weekend – unless McNair picks up his fifth booking of the season.

Neil Warnock needs one last push until Boro’s first free midweek since November’s internationals, when McNair played 284 minutes for Northern Ireland.

“We thought three or four players were going to be really fatigued and close to being injured and we’ve lost Johnny Howson,” he revealed. “We lost (Anfernee) Dijksteel and Paddy and Dael are right at the top of their minutes.”

There are “different interpretations” on the severity of Howson’s hamstring injury but Dijksteel’s return on Saturday was very welcome with Nathan Wood completing his Covid-19 isolation.

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

“I can’t (rest Fry and McNair),” said Warnock. “I just told them to be careful and just do enough. We were hoping Woody would be back but I don’t think we can. It’s the 10th day (of his isolation) and you can’t mess about. Paddy had a tackle near the dugout on Saturday and he could hear me hold my breath. He said: ‘You thought I was going to tackle didn’t you gaffer?’

“I was trying to think if there was any player I’ve managed better than him. Maybe it’s my memory but I can’t think of anybody.

“That back four’s as good as anyone.

“They love playing together.”

Last six games: Middlesbrough WLLWLW, Luton Town WDLWLD

Referee: A Davies (Hampshire)

Last time: Middlesbrough 0, Luton Town 1, February 15, 2020, Championship.

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