Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder insists that he's not worried about losing Paddy McNair in the January transfer window.

The Northern Irishman has been one of Boro's outstanding performers over the years, so it's perhaps no surprise that his form has caught the eye, with West Ham and Celtic both credited with an interest in the versatile defender recently.

However, speaking to the Northern Echo, Wilder made it clear that there hasn't been any offers for the player, who he confirmed is committed to staying at the club.

"I don’t have to fight hard to keep hold of (McNair) really. He’s our player and he understands where we are trying to get to.

"A lot of speculation but until I get a phonecall, which I haven’t, everybody is here and fighting towards getting into the team and producing good performances and hopefully getting good results for the football club."

Wilder's has enjoyed a positive start to life in charge of the Teesside outfit, with Boro looking to make it four unbeaten when they take on high-flying Bournemouth at the Riverside Stadium tomorrow.

The verdict

This is reassuring for Boro fans as they all know how important McNair is to this team, so they will have been concerned when it was suggested he could depart.

But, Wilder has made it clear here that there's been no contact for the ex-Manchester United man, and the fact he is happy at the club bodes well.

So, you wouldn't expect a January exit, although it could be a different story in the summer if Boro fail in their bid to win promotion back to the Premier League.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.