Middlesbrough picked up another big win on Tuesday night.
Michael Carrick‘s side made it three wins from their last three games, beating Birmingham City 1-0 at St Andrew’s.
That has seen them climb to 9th in the Championship table, five points adrift of the play-off places.
One player who impressed in that game, was Paddy McNair. The 28-year-old played an important role in helping the Middlesbrough defence to withstand some considerable pressure from the hosts in the second half.
As things stand, McNair is set to be out of contract at The Riverside Stadium come the end of the season.
However, it seems that is not a situation he is too concerned about at this moment in time.
Paddy McNair gives contract update
Having joined Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2018, the defender has now been with the club for almost six years.
During that time, he has made over 200 appearances in all competitions for the club. As a result, fans may be keen to know if he has a future at The Riverside Stadium beyond the summer.
However, it seems the defender himself is in no rush when it comes to the issue of a new contract.
Speaking to BBC Radio Tees after the win at St Andrew’s, McNair was asked about the situation with regards to his contract.
Responding to that question, the Middlesbrough defender said:
“I’m quite relaxed about it. We’ll discuss at the end of the season but I don’t think there’s any rush about it. I’m quite relaxed and at the end of the season we’ll have a conversation.”
Next up for ‘Boro, is the visit of Blackburn Rovers to the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Middlesbrough have a big decision to make
It may not be an easy call for the club to make when it comes to the future of McNair.
There have been times this season where he has had spells out of the side. At those points, it has seemed as though a new deal might have been unlikely.
However, the defender is now back in the Middlesbrough team, and showing how important he can be for them.
That would therefore suggest that is could still be worth the club exploring a new deal for the 28-year-old.
It is also worth noting that another ‘Boro centre back, Rav van den Berg, is attracting interest at the minute.
With that in mind, Middlesbrough could be reluctant to risk leaving themselves short in that area, by letting McNair go as well.
There could therefore, still be a fair bit to be decided, when it comes to the future of McNair at The Riverside Stadium.