McNair admits he would like to play on right side of defence

PADDY McNair insists he will have no problem continuing on the left-hand side of Middlesbrough’s defence – or anywhere in the team – if needed next season.

However, the Boro utility man admits there are obvious advantages to switching to the right side, as is expected in the forthcoming campaign.

McNair spent the majority of last season playing on the left of a back three.

It was a role he cemented in the team after Chris Wilder’s appointment in November that brought about consistency to the formation Boro played.

And while former Sunderland man McNair rarely let Middlesbrough down over the course of another solid campaign on an individual level, Wilder has always been clear of his goal to bring in a left-footed centreback this summer.

That should add more balance to the Middlesbrough side and make it more comfortable, particularly in possession, with Boro’s wide centrebacks encouraged to start attacks by playing out from the back.

The plan has always been for McNair to move over the right-hand side of the defence where he will compete with right-back Anfernee Dijksteel for that spot on the team.

Asked about the proposed move and his overall versatility, McNair (pictured right) said: “I enjoy playing at centre-back and I’ve probably played my best football for the club at centre-back.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to continue doing that this season. Being right-footed, playing on the right side probably does make it easier, especially on the ball.

“But to be honest, if I have to play left or right, I’m not really too bothered. I’m not too fussed, I’m just happy to be in the team. “It’s been part of my career sort of shifting around in all sorts of positions, but of course it would be great to cement my place and play in one position all season. But if I don’t, and I do switch around, then I’m used to it, so it’s no problem.”

As things stand, Boro’s search for a left-footed centre-back goes on, however, meaning McNair’s switch to the right might not be as guaranteed just yet.

Republic of Ireland international Ciaran Clark was a player they tried for late in January but couldn’t make it work.

The Newcastle United defender yesterday joined Wilder’s former club Sheffield United on a season-long loan, though it’s unclear if Boro carried over their interest from earlier in the year to this summer.

Former Carlisle defender Jarrad Branthwaite was another name linked to a move to the Riverside, but reports suggest Everton, have chosen to send him to PSV Eindhoven.

It would be great to play in one position all season. But if I do switch around, I’m used to it, so it’s no

problem.

Paddy McNair