Middlesbrough have been handed a huge blow with the news that Paddy McNair will miss the next three games through suspension.

The midfielder received a red card during Saturday's 3-1 defeat against Swansea City.

Jonathan Woodgate was unhappy with the decision to send off the Northern Ireland international and signalled his intent to lodge an appeal to the FA regarding his red card.

But after considering the matter, Middlesbrough confirmed that the original charge had been upheld following his dismissal.

That means that McNair will miss the fixtures against Stoke City, Huddersfield and West Brom.

Marcus Browne will also miss those games after also being sent off against the Swans.

Browne lasted just 13 minutes of the clash in South Wales before being given his marching orders - a decision which Jonathan Woodgate fully supported.

He said: "The decision from Marcus Browne to make an horrific, an horrific tackle on the Swansea player, I can't condone that, it's a terrible tackle that deserves a straight red.

“I don't condone those types of tackles and he's let his team down. I've watched it back it's a straight red all day long.

“But the ill-discipline from Marcus Browne really cost us that game. He'll definitely get fined."

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The verdict

Paddy McNair's suspension is a massive blow for Middlesbrough.

The midfielder has been Jonathan Woodgate's most consistent performer so far this term, and given the club's injury woes, the fact that he'll miss three crucial games is a real kick in the teeth.

The hope will now be that Lewis Wing is fit enough to slot in to replace him.