Middlesbrough have been hit and miss so far this season, but one player who has been a level of consistency is midfielder Paddy McNair.
The Northern Ireland international has scored two goals and registered two assists for Middlesbrough this campaign and has arguably been the Teessider’s best player.
Last season under previous boss Tony Pulis, McNair was often deployed in defence, either at right-back or centre-back. But by the player’s own admission, he wanted to play in midfield.
New Head Coach Jonathan Woodgate has now given him his chance in his preferred position, and he has been a shining light for the North East side.
Equally, McNair has carried his domestic form onto the international stage. The 24-year old scored twice and assisted another in Northern Ireland’s 3-2 win over Czech Republic on Monday night in Prague.
He opened the scoring in the ninth minute, taking down Liam Boyce’s cross with his right foot, before firing past Werder Bremen’s Jiri Pavlenka in the Czech Republic goal with his left foot.
McNair’s corner then caused havoc midway through the first half, with Jonny Evans eventually getting a toe on the loose ball in the box to double Northern Ireland’s tally.
Micheal O’Neill’s side were soon 3-0 up, with McNair netting his second of the game. The midfielder found himself furthest forward as he collected a neat through ball from Rangers’ Steven Davis, running clean through and rounding the goalkeeper to put his side out of sight.
Middlesbrough fans will be hoping he can continue his goalscoring form this weekend as they host table toppers West Brom.
