Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FIGHTING FIT
Warnock: We’re creating chances and defending well.. if I could be sure we’ll avoid injuries.. I’d stick a few bob on us to be promoted
NEIL WARNOCK says Middlesbrough would be worth a little bet for promotion if they had an injury-free season.
The Teessiders have made a good start and sit on the fringes of the playoff places ahead of today’s clash with Nottingham Forest. But Warnock knows the importance of keeping a wafer-thin squad fit and firing if Boro are to last the pace this season.
Warnock, who is chasing a ninth promotion, said: “We are in good spirits. We are creating chances and defending well and we’ve improved from last season. Home and away we stand a chance of getting results.
“If y ou told me we wouldn’t have too many injuries between now and the end of the season I’d put a few bob on us.
“But I’ve been around too l ong to know that won’t happen. Just look at Liverpool. They’ve lost two big centre-halves and, even with their squad, people are talking about how it has disrupted them.
“If we have two injuries in certain departments, it’s difficult to see where we’d go. But I’m ever so pleased with the lads. We chatted in the summer and I think they’ve taken everything on board. I think they’ve enjoyed it.
“The biggest problem is we’re treading on eggshells given the size of the squad.
“We have to cross our fingers every game – I’ll be glad when the international break comes.”
At least Warnock can call upon striker Chuba Akpom, who is free to play after a negative coronavirus test. “He j just has a heavy cold,” Warnock said.
The Middlesbrough boss says Chris Hughton’s Forest side will be a big test at the Riverside today.
Hughton ( below) remains unbeaten in his four matches in charge and Warnock said: “They have got one of the best squads in the whole league.
“When you look at the numbers they ’ve got, I envy them. They ’ve got two teams and we can barely put substitutes up. Their front four is as good as anything in the league.”
But former Spurs star Hughton believes he may be in for his toughest test since taking over.
The 61-year-old, former manager of Newcastle, Brighton and Norwich, said: “Boro have a lot of ability in their squad. We have had some tough tests so far and this may be the toughest one.
“They are a team in good form and have a lot of good players. They have quality in the squad. We’re expecting a really tough game. They have a manager who knows the division and they have a team that can change formations.”