Neil Warnock has hinted that Lewis Wing must impress him in pre-season if he's to have a future at the club.

The Middlesbrough midfielder endured a frustrating start to the season after starting just three times in the league during the first half of the campaign in which he struggled for regular game time.

Since the turn of the year things have improved for the 25-year-old after completing a loan move to Rotherham United.

Wing has since gone on to establish himself as a key player for the Millers after starting 10 of the 11 matches that he's been fit and available for.

With the summer transfer window approaching it means that Middlesbrough will have a big decision to make regarding the midfielder, and according to Warnock, Wing will have the same opportunity as everyone else to prove that he can contribute for the Teessiders next term.

Speaking to Teesside Live, “Wingy, we all know what Wingy can do, but he needed games.

“He’s loving it there, I think he’s just disappointed they’ve not been able to pick up some results in the last few games. I’d really like to see them stay up and I’m sure Lewis is the same.

“He’s contracted to us, and everyone who’s contracted to us will be back for pre-season.

“There is always somebody that you’ve maybe written off but he gets back into your thoughts in pre-season.

“Countless times over the years I’ve thought ‘that’s him done’, but they come back and they’re different players around the training ground.

“That’s what you’ve got to do. You try and impress the manager and show that you can get in the team. That’s what all the lads have got to do.”

The verdict

It's really hard to see Lewis Wing establishing himself under Neil Warnock next season.

The midfielder is undoubtedly a talented player but has really struggled to slot into Middlesbrough's side since the 72-year-old took charge.

His time with Rotherham has certainly showed that he is capable of performing at this level and that could give him food for thought this summer.