Jonathan Woodgate has declared Paddy McNair as a doubt for Saturday's clash with Leeds United.

The midfielder has been one of Middlesbrough's star performers so far this term after finding his form under the new manager.

McNair started the 1-0 victory over Barnsley but was taken off after 78 minutes and replaced by Adam Clayton.

He looked in some discomfort as he left the pitch, and the Middlesbrough boss revealed after the game that it was the result of a recurring injury suffered by the Northern Ireland international.

Speaking of McNair's injury, he said: “It’s a glute injury really. He’s had a few bangs to it. You know what it’s like, you have a sore area and you get a few bangs to it and done it again.

“Paddy is one of those players who’s determined to play, so let’s see.”

Woodgate added: "I’m not sure who’s going to be fit (for Leeds United), we’ve got a few niggles. The squad will be more depleted probably.

“We’re down to the bare bones but it’s been like that all season.”

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The verdict

News of another injury is bad news for Jonathan Woodgate.

As well as George Friend, Ryan Shotton, Rudy Gestede and Marcus Browne, Middlesbrough are now contending with fitness issues around Darren Randolph, Anfernee Dijksteel and Paddy McNair.

With a big fixture against Leeds United coming up, Woodgate will be praying that some of his players are deemed fit enough to feature at Elland Road.