Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has suggested that he decided against bringing on Patrick Roberts in the second half against Brentford due to not wanting to leave 'Boro exposed on the counter.

'Boro picked up another valuable point to stretch their unbeaten run in the Championship to ten matches since their narrow opening day loss at Watford.

Warnock’s side delivered a very strong and resolute defensive display throughout the match limiting their hosts to just one attempt on target despite them having 60% possession.

However, Middlesbrough themselves were not free-flowing going forwards and had just a single effort on target themselves.

Warnock, though, still decided against bringing on the more creative presence of Roberts in the second period, despite having admitted he made a ‘mistake’ not bringing him on in the draw against Blackburn Rovers.

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Speaking to Teesside Live, Warnock revealed that he made the decision not to risk losing the point against a quality Brentford forward line by going all out to try and snatch a goal at the other end of the pitch. While he also suggested that the makeup of the Bees’ midfield did not suit the 23-year-old.

Asked if he considered bringing Roberts on, Warnock said: "No I didn’t, they were too good in midfield today, too strong and physical and athletic.

"I thought it’s not going to be my decision that costs the lads a point they’ve worked so hard for.

"I would have probably bought Browny on if Dijksteel hadn’t gone back and put Djed back."

The verdict

Being left out of the side altogether even not coming from the bench will be a frustration for Roberts, who has now only managed to make just two appearances for 'Boro in the Championship so far this term (Sofascore). However, Warnock used the 23-year-old during the run-in last term and brought him back to the club so he clearly feels he has something to offer.

Warnock has managed to get his Middlesbrough side to be a really tough nut to crack, but with two successive goalless draws, he now needs to show he can also get them to open up on occasion to win enough matches to mount a top-six push. Roberts is likely going to be key to their hopes of doing that.

Roberts is designed for matches that Middlesbrough will need to win if they are to earn a top-six finish against the sides in the bottom end of the table. It will be in those matches where you would expect him to be a really key player for 'Boro this term.