Middlesbrough new boy has failed to make an impact since leaving Sunderland.
Paddy McNair’s tough start to life at Middlesbrough could have him wondering if he was better off staying put at Sunderland.
McNair signed for Boro for a fee rising to £5 million but he has had a forgettable start for Tony Pulis’ side.
McNair’s problem at Middlesbrough is that he just can’t get into the team.
The former Manchester United talent has made only five appearances in the Championship for Boro, every one as a substitute.
On Friday evening he was once again an unused substitute for Middlesbrough in their match with Sheffield Wednesday.
His five appearances from the bench have totalled a paltry 46 minutes, with his only starts coming in the League Cup.
If he had stayed at Sunderland he would have had a much better chance of staying in the team, which is thriving without him.
Down in League One, Sunderland are in third place with a game in hand and have only lost one match in the division all season.
Getting up to £5 million for a player who was badly affected by injuries last season looks like a great deal for the Black Cats right now.
McNair remains a regular for Northern Ireland but that may not stay the case if he struggles to get game time for his club.
Staying at Sunderland may have been best for him.
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