Warnock looking for better for Boro

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Neil Warnock is looking for his side to produced a positive response after they missed out on a chance to climb into the top six last weekend.

Boro, who come to the City Ground tomorrow to take on Forest, were beaten 1-0 at home to Birmingham City on Saturday and Warnock was less than impressed.

He was also annoyed that Birmingham’s Ivan Sanchez was not sent off for kicking out at Paddy Mcnair in the first half but his biggest concern was that the performance was not to Middlesbrough’s recent standards.

Boro failed to hit top gear after the training ground had been closed down to the first team because of a Covid-19 outbreak.

“It’s disappointing and it’s not very often I have a go,” said Warnock. “First half we weren’t good enough.

We have one or two excuses but it wasn’t good enough.

“For two or three of the lads Friday was their first session and we couldn’t get on grass because of a frozen pitch. We didn’t train until Wednesday either. Two weeks of hell really.

“That doesn’t stop you competing against a team like that, but you expect the referee to handle it.

“Sanchez has lashed out, four of them looking at the game, surely one of the four can see it?

“They can see a foul throw but can’t see them lashing out? To make matters worse Sanchez made the goal.

“I will give them an excuse but there are no excuses now.

“We are into the rest of the season, Saturday-tuesday for the foreseeable now. It was a wake-up call in that respect.”