During his press conference this week, Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate commented on midfielder Paddy McNair, hailing him their ‘best player this season’.

Paddy McNair is in a fine run of form this season for both Middlesbrough and Northern Ireland. The midfielder has arrived back from last weekend’s two fixtures for Northern Ireland having scored two goals and put in two strong performances against Holland and the Czech Republic.

Woodgate had this to say to the Gazette on McNair’s current form: “Paddy played really well in midweek and that will give him a boost but he’s not been short of confidence this season.

“He’s been our best player this season and he took that into the Northern Ireland games.

“I watched both games and he was terrific in both of them.”

Middlesbrough have struggled so far this season under new manager Woodgate, currently sitting in 20th place and just two points above the relegation zone. McNair has been a shining light for them with consistent performances and the manager will be hoping he can continue to build.

Here, we take a look at three reasons why Woodgate’s claim about McNair is spot on…

McNair has been brilliant in midfield

McNair has been given a new lease of life under new man Woodgate, with an almost guaranteed position in the lineup. In his preferred position, the Northern Ireland international has flourished with performances showing glimpses of what Middlesbrough have been missing for a while, which is the link from midfield to attack.

Despite only scoring two goals this campaign, McNair’s driving runs from deep into the box are a menace for many defenders and some impetus that the rest of the Boro squad could do with themselves.

He’s attracted interest

 

 

 

 

During the summer, Scottish giants Celtic were very interested in signing the 24-year-old with several Championship clubs and Premier League new-boys Sheffield United also interested.

What this shows about McNair is that his abilities are turning heads in the footballing world. So much so that even when not featuring much under former manager Tony Pulis, he still managed to gain a large number of potential suitors vying for his signature. Woodgate keeping McNair for the foreseeable future could be vital for getting Boro’s season back on track.

Other colleagues are agreeing

Jonathan Woodgate isn’t the only person to sing the praises of the Northern Ireland international so far this season. His Northern Ireland boss, Michael O’Neill commented on McNair’s ability and potential following a brace away in Prague to give his side a 3-2 win, he was quoted by the Gazette: “I think we played a bit part in the turnaround of his fortunes at club level because he was still an important player for us, but I'm delighted because he's a great boy, a great athletic player, a top player.

 "When you look at what is required now to play at the highest level, whether it be the Premier League or international football, Paddy has all the attributes to do that."

O’Neill clearly believes that McNair’s future lies in the Premier League, whether that be at Middlesbrough or elsewhere.

Teammate Jonny Howson has also commented on McNair’s qualities after a tough first season on Teeside, he told the Northern Echo: “I think Paddy’s very good, he’s a great lad too. Obviously last season was frustrating for Paddy but I think it’s a testament to himself that he kept going, he kept working hard and I’m pleased he’s getting rewards."

The 24-year-old clearly has the backing and the confidence to achieve what he wants to in football, so he must push on and repay Woodgate’s public faith in him.