Neil Warnock warns Middlesbrough are two injuries away from being 'up a creek'

Boro kick off the new campaign with a Friday-night trip to Watford and whilst the relegated Hornets have problems of their own, Warnock insists he would gladly swap.

“We're struggling numbers-wise but they are a good bunch and I've right enjoyed it, it's just been one of those challenges,” he said, “but they've responded, the lads, they've been great.

“It's difficult because I did expect us to have four or five players by now but for one reason or another it's not been possible. I'm bitterly disappointed in that but you've just got to get on with it and I've got a good group and we're going to try and upset the odds again.

“I had to laugh – I did see Watford have got 11 injuries – I've only got 11 players! That's the difference at the minute.

“I think anybody that finishes above Watford will get automatic promotion.

“They've got too good a squad (to struggle coming down), they've got 25 top players. The team that played against Tottenham (in a pre-season friendly) last week dominated for large parts of the game and created numerous chances, it's difficult to see anyone other than them winning the league.

“I'm looking forward to the challenge because there's only 11 on the pitch.”

As Warnock was speaking Boro were trying to complete the signing of Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli in time for the former England squad goalkeeper to make his debut at Vicarage Road. At that point, centre-back Grant Hall was the only new face.

“I think we've got to get players in,” warned Warnock. “If you look at our bench it's very, very fragile at the minute, it's no good kidding ourselves.

“I've spoken to quite a number of players over the last few weeks and we've not been able to get them over the line. I've just got to keep positive and get the best out of what I've got. They're a good group, they're listening and they're enjoying themselves.

“We've lost 10 players since covid and we've signed Grant Hall, who was really agreed before I came to the club, and we're optimistic of signing a goalkeeper. We escaped relegation on the last day of the season and the squad's really taken a clout so we are very, very thin and we've got to get players in.

“We are aware of that but I've never known it so difficult.

“It's given some other players an opportunity.

“I've not got to worry about my starting XI. I think we can give anybody a good game. My problem is heaven forbid if we lose two players in a game, which is quite easy, we are really up the creek at the minute, which is why we're looking as soon as possible to add to the numbers in the squad.”

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