Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has hit out at Northern Ireland over their use of 'Boro midfielder Paddy McNair during the November international break.

McNair featured in all three of Northern Ireland's games, played over the space of just seven days, with a Euro 2020 qualifying play-off - which went to extra time - followed by two Nations League matches.

With a heavy schedule of nine games in 28 days now on the horizon for 'Boro, Warnock is clearly not happy with the way McNair has been used by his country recently.

Speaking about the international break ahead of his side's clash with Norwich City at The Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Warnock was quoted by 'Boro's official website as saying: “Paddy McNair has played three of the toughest games you could wish for and he has played almost every minute. 

“I don’t understand how him and (Leeds United's) Stuart Dallas can do that. There’s something wrong when that happens. You’ve also got to think of the players. We helped him up to the first game, but after that...I can’t accept that when there’s nothing else to play for.”

So far this season, McNair has feautred in all 11 league games played by, continuing the key role in the side he established himself in last season.

'Boro go into that game with Norwich seventh in the Championship table, just one point outside the play-off places.

The Verdict

I can completely understand Warnock's frustrations here.

Given the circumstances that they are being played in, these international breaks have seemed rather ridiculous, and you feel the vast majority of people will be glad to see the back of them until March.

With the extra demands being put on them by these international games, players are suffering more than ever it seems, and it is their clubs who are feeling the brunt of that, rather than countries who do not have to worry about their availability on a regular basis.

As a result, I can't blame Warnock for being annoyed by the fact McNair has not been given a break by Northern Ireland, and you have to hope it doesn't have too much of an impact on him and his fitness.