NEIL WARNOCK expects to have Matt Crooks available for Middlesbrough’s home game with Sheffield United tomorrow – as he claims referee Peter Bankes has admitted he ‘made a mistake’ when he sent off the midfielder during Saturday’s defeat at Reading.

Crooks was dismissed in the closing stages of Boro’s 1-0 defeat at the Madejski Stadium, with Bankes having adjudged that his challenge of Reading goalkeeper Luke Southwood constituted violent conduct.

Boro have lodged an appeal against the dismissal, and are hoping Crooks will be given the green light to line up at the Riverside tomorrow evening.

“I expect we’ll hear this afternoon or tomorrow morning at the latest,” said Warnock. “I don’t understand it really. I’ve already found out that the referee has said he definitely made a mistake, so if that’s the case, I don’t understand why we have to have committees and commissions really.

“If he’s admitted it’s a mistake and it shouldn’t have been a red, I don’t understand why we have to go through the whole process, but we do.”

Marc Bola is a doubt for tomorrow’s game as while the full-back came through Saturday’s match unscathed as he returned from injury, he was still experiencing some pain. Paddy McNair also returned from a lay-off against Reading, and should be fine to retain his place in the side against Sheffield United.

“Marc was in a bit of pain throughout the game,” said Warnock. “I spoke to him yesterday and we’ll see how he is this morning.

“Paddy was okay, but then Paddy’s always okay the week before an international break! I haven’t got a problem with Paddy – he’ll be fit this week!”