Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has said his pre-season camp with the Championship side is the perfect time to have a look at trialist Jamie Paterson, in an interview with the club's media team.

The second-tier outfit are currently away in Cornwall ahead of the 2021/22 season, with Warnock deciding to keep his troops in the UK amid the Covid-19 pandemic and continuing travel restrictions.

And alongside the Boro squad and fellow trialist Sol Bamba, who was released by Cardiff City in the summer, he has travelled to south-west England ahead of a potential permanent move to the Riverside Stadium.

Paterson made 156 appearances for Bristol City in a five-year spell at Ashton Gate, but was one of 11 players released by Nigel Pearson in the summer and is available on a free transfer if Middlesbrough decide to take up that option.

Either way, he is set to feature for the Teesside club against Saltash United in a friendly tonight, giving manager Warnock an opportunity to see whether the 29-year-old is up to speed.

Speaking about Paterson's arrival on the club website, he said: "Jamie is a lad I’ve always kept in touch with.

"It’s a good opportunity to have look at him in this environment, it’s a no-brainer really."

The Verdict:

Boro have been filling their squad with Championship experience with Sammy Ameobi and Lee Peltier among their signings this summer - and Paterson is another experienced option they will have if they decide to offer him a contract.

It might not be the most spectacular addition - but it seems like Warnock knows the midfielder in-depth and this can only bode well for the Championship side as they aim for a place in the top six next year.

If his time at previous clubs is anything to go by, the 29-year-old will be a reliable, relatively injury-free and versatile option to have, with Paterson also able to operate on the wing.