PADDY McNAIR is available for tomorrow night’s home game with Cardiff City, but Middlesbrough will still be without Darragh Lenihan and Chuba Akpom for the visit of the Bluebirds.

McNair limped off the field during the second half of last week’s Tees-Wear derby win over Sunderland, but his injury has not proved to be serious. The Northern Irishman took part in a full training session yesterday, and will be available to face Cardiff tomorrow.

Lenihan remains absent though, and is not due to return to action until after the international break. The same is true of Akpom, who remains sidelined because of a knee issue.

“Paddy’s been training,” said Boro boss Chris Wilder. “He’s okay and available, but Darragh’s not back. It’s not a bad one – he’ll be okay for the Coventry game. He’s ruled out of this week.

“It’s more than likely that both Chuba and Darragh are going to be back for the Coventry game, which will be a big boost for us. It’ll be a boost to get everybody back fit, although I’ve got to say that I thought Dael (Fry) was really good (against Sunderland).”

Zack Steffen is touch and go for tomorrow night’s game, although if he misses the Cardiff match, the American goalkeeper should be available to face Rotherham United on Saturday evening.

The Northern Echo:

In his absence, Liam Roberts, a summer signing from Northampton Town, has stepped into the starting line-up to impressive effect, giving Wilder a selection dilemma as he ponders his side for the next two games.

“Zack will be available for Tuesday-stroke-Saturday as well, we’re hoping, although I think what you’ve seen is what we’re trying to construct, which is a team full of competition where performance levels don’t drop and results don’t drop because of one or two players coming out,” said Wilder.

“The players coming in have done well, but to get Chuba, Darragh and Zack back will be good, and it just gives us that bit more depth and security. If we do get injuries, suspensions or loss of form, we can flip it around.”