Jonny Howson and Paddy McNair are good enough to play in the Premier League, according to Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.

The Teessiders have enjoyed an excellent start to the season after picking up 24 points from just 15 games which has put them in 10th place going into the weekend's clash with Stoke City.

With just two points separating them from the automatic promotion spots, it's showing early signs of potentially being a memorable season for the club.

A large part of Middlesbrough's success has been their strong defensive record.

The club have conceded just 10 goals so far this term which means that they have one of the strongest defences in English football this term.

Who was the Middlesbrough manager when each of these 15 Boro moments happened?

 

 

Howson and McNair have been a huge part of that.

Both players are a key part of Neil Warnock's side and have both slotted into a range of different positions as Middlesbrough stick with what has proven to be a winning formula.

That consistency has seen both players produce their best form in a Middlesbrough shirt, and according to Warnock, the standard that they've set would be much more at home in the top flight.

As quoted by Downie, Warnock said: "Are they Premier League quality? Absolutely.

"You might think I've been drinking but you won't get much better than Howson in the Premier League at the minute."

 

The Verdict

There are so many Middlesbrough players that deserve credit this season, but none more than Jonny Howson and Paddy McNair.

The duo have had their best run of form since arriving at the Riverside Stadium and that is purely down to Neil Warnock who has given them both the tools to do what they do best.

If, and it's a big if, the Teessiders are in the running for promotion at the end of the season then both Howson and McNair will be key to getting them over the line and no doubt they'd relish the chance to challenge themselves in the top flight.