Middlesbrough will be sweating on the fitness of Jonny Howson ahead of Saturday's clash with Millwall.

The midfielder has been a virtual ever-present for the Teessiders so far this term after proving himself as one of the club's most consistent performers.

Howson started Wednesday night's clash with Preston North End - contest which Middlesbrough went on to lose 3-0.

But as well as suffering a heavy defeat, Neil Warnock was left worried when the experienced midfielder hobbled off the pitch during the second half at Deepdale, and according to the head coach, he can't afford to take any chances with the midfielder.

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Asked about Howson's injury, Warnock told Teesside Live: "We're not sure. We'll scan him tomorrow but he thought he just cramped up. It's a similar sort of thing to a hamstring.

"I saw it straight away and shouted for Tav to get his gear off as soon as possible.

"We didn't want to risk anything like that, but we will get injuries like that."

Warnock also gave an update on young defender Nathan Wood who missed the trip to Deepdale, saying: "Young Woodsy wasn't feeling too well today either, so we had to send him home.

"We are a bit thin, but you've just got to carry on as best you can. We'll have a light swim tomorrow and then it's straight into Millwall for Saturday. "

The Verdict

Middlesbrough will be praying that the injury to Jonny Howson isn't serious.

The midfielder has been a vital player for Neil Warnock this term and the Teessiders won't look anywhere near as efficient without him in the side.

As Warnock said, the hope is that it was just a case of cramp as Middlesbrough face another tough test with Millwall this weekend.