NEIL WARNOCK can see signs of improvement in Martin Payero’s play – but still wants the Argentinian to add more positional discipline to his midfield performances.

Payero produced his most effective display in a Middlesbrough shirt so far during this afternoon’s 2-0 win over Peterborough.

The summer signing from South America saw plenty of the ball at the heart of midfield, and delivered an excellent pass for Josh Coburn’s stoppage-time strike.

Warnock was pleased with Payero’s partnership with fellow midfielder Matt Crooks, but will be reminding the 23-year-old of the need to keep the right shape to prevent Boro’s midfield from becoming unbalanced.

The Boro boss said: “We’re talking to him all of the time through Leo (Percovich). He looked a lot happier this week because his partner has come over now. I think when you’ve got someone in the house with you, it’s easier, and he’s been smiling a lot more this week.

“I think that reflected in his game. There were still silly things like the booking and one or two things like when Tav (Marcus Tavernier) has given him the throw in and he’s overlapping Tav whereas we want him in the middle of the pitch.

“Maybe undisciplined isn’t the right word, but he’s probably played in teams that have given him more chance to do that.

“In fairness to Crooksy, he told him how he’d need him to help and how he’d need this, that and the other and they got on really well. I was pleased with them both today.

“Crooksy had to do a job he’s not had to do for a long time, and I thought he did alright. He held us together there.

“You could see in the first half in particular, Martin was going a little bit absent without leave in certain areas, but I thought he brushed up on that in the second half. Overall, with so many things happening in the last few days, it was a great result for us.”