Paddy McNair joined Middlesbrough from Sunderland earlier this summer.
Former Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair joined Middlesbrough earlier this summer in a move that many assumed would see the player slot straight into the starting XI.
However, the Northern Irishman has only started in Boro’s Carabao Cup games in the month of August, with a few appearances from the bench in the Championship.
But after impressive performances in the games McNair has started, as well as his performances for Middlesbrough’s rivals Sunderland, the 23-year-old should be given a chance in the coming games.
Boro are unbeaten so far this season, but still lack a goal-scoring head in the centre of midfield, and McNair certainly has previous doing just that.
Despite his previous side Sunderland having an awful campaign last term, McNair scored some excellent goals and created some brilliant chances for the Black Cats’ forwards.
The former Manchester United player would bring an extra bite to Middlesbrough’s starting line-up and may be a better option to Adam Clayton or Lewis Wing, who both play similar roles.
McNair’s box-to-box play would also bring extra balance to a new-look Middlesbrough side, who have been fielding a 3-5-2 formation since manager Tony Pulis employed it in their opening day draw against Millwall.
The Boro man once again sat on the bench in his side’s 0-0 draw with Leeds last week, but McNair should be given a chance to shine in Middlesbrough’s next game against strugglers Norwich after the international break.
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