Paddy McNair’s first goal of the season in Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United could see the 26-year-old being given a more attacking role for the remainder of the season, according to manager Neil Warnock.
McNair, who has been used in both defence and the centre of the park this season, was given a midfield role against the Blades on Tuesday night and Warnock admitted he could be utilised in a more forward role as the campaign progresses.
“He’s got goals in him,” declared Warnock. “I just wish he could play two positions at once because I also think he’s a great centre-half."
Elsewhere in the Championship Shayne Lavery continues to enhance his ever-growing reputation when he scored his sixth goal of the season for Blackpool who earned a point in a 1-1 draw against a 10-man Hull City side at the MKM Stadium.
Defender Ciaron Brown was back in the Cardiff City side which lost 4-0 at home to leaders West Brom, while Daniel Ballard, George Saville and Jordan Thompson all got another 90 minutes under their belts ahead of Northern Ireland’s forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
In League One goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell bounced back from a mistake against Ipswich Town at the weekend with a confident display for Sheffield Wednesday who claimed maximum points from their trip to Wigan Athletic.
“He was different class for us tonight, a real rock and a pillar of strength,” said Owls' manager Darren Moore. “There was never any doubt he was going to play.
“We all know what happened at Ipswich but this is football and mistakes will be made. It’s the response that counts and he responded exactly how I thought he would.
“He got a great reception from our fans tonight and I’m sure that meant a lot to him. His performance tonight I thought was outstanding and he showed exactly why we fought so hard to bring him to the club.”
Meanwhile striker Will Grigg scored his first league goal of the season for Rotherham United when powered home a header from a Shane Ferguson cross as the Millers defeated AFC Wimbledon 3-0 at the New York Stadium.
There were also assists for Paddy Lane, Alfie McCalmont and Sunderland duo Carl Winchester and skipper Corry Evans.
In the UEFA U19 Youth League, Ross McCausland celebrated signing a new three-year extension to his Rangers contract with a brace in the Glasgow outfit’s impressive 3-0 victory over Swedish side Hammarby.
However, it was a bitter-sweet night for 17-year-old Shea Charles who scored for Manchester City in their 1-1 draw with PSG but then ended up being sent-off after picking up two yellow cards.
