Middlesbrough v Rotherham United - Boro boss Neil Warnock frustrated by lack of signings at Riverside

Boro have won just twice in six games since Christmas and fallen out of the FA Cup as well as the Championship play-off places.

Much has been made of their lack of goals at points this term but, in the last seven outings, they have also failed to keep a clean sheet.

Warnock said: “It doesn’t look like we will keep one at the moment so I could say it is a concern. But a lot depends on the players that are playing.

“There are gaps in certain areas and we’re getting punished for it. We’re not close at all really (to new signings). The two lads I thought we’d a great chance with last week, I’ve been told by both Premier League managers in the last 24 hours that they are not letting them out.

“It’s been a devastating week for us on top of everything else.”

He was still disappointed yesterday by Sunday’s 1-0 home loss to Blackburn Rovers when Boro were denied a penalty after Jarrad Branthwaite’s high boot sliced Dael Fry’s face, forcing the defender off.

Warnock was unsure if he would be fit to face Rotherham and midfielder Marcus Taverner is definitely out.

He said: “It’s another slip on the grass.

“The pitch is not very good at all and it won’t be for the rest of the season. Everybody is slipping on it all the time.

“It’s the inside of his knee and he’s had a scan but I don’t expect we’ll see him for a few weeks.”

The Millers drew 3-3 against Stoke City at the weekend and won 1-0 at Derby County before that as they fight for survival.

Warnock added: “They are all genuine 100 per cent players; they have long throws and free-kicks coming in from every angle and score most of their goals in that way. But they have some good players as well so, yes, it is going to be difficult.”

Last six games: Middlesbrough LWLLWL Rotherham WLLLWD

Referee: Michael Salisbury (Preston)

Last time: Middlesbrough 0 Rotherham 0, October 23, 2018; Championship.

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