Middlesbrough were held to a disappointing goalless draw against Blackburn Rovers on the weekend, but one player shone in the Riverside clash.
Michael Carrick was frustrated with the draw against Blackburn on Saturday as it left his side with a mountain to climb if they are to finish inside the top six.
Boro reside in 10th and now lie seven points adrift of the play-off positions with eight games of the season remaining.
With a trip to automatic promotion hopefuls Southampton next, following the international break, it looks as though they could be bound to another year in the Championship.
Though, despite the disappointments of the weekend, Paddy McNair shone for the home side and produced a battling display to help keep a clean sheet.
Paddy McNair ‘rock solid’ v Blackburn Rovers
One positive of the draw against Rovers was McNair, who produced a marvellous performance at the heart of the Boro defence.
In his post-match ratings, Gazzette Live journalist Craig Johns heaped praise on the 28-year-old’s display.
“Rock solid at the back again. Between himself and Clarke, Boro’s centre-backs kept the Championship top scorer quiet throughout,” Johns wrote.
A look at McNair’s statistics and it’s easy to see why he was given an eight-match rating, the joint highest in the team.
Paddy McNair’s incredible stats v Blackburn Rovers
The former Manchester United defender put in a monstrous effort at the back and won 80 per cent of his duels whilst maintaining an incredible 97 per cent pass completion rate, evincing his comfortability on the ball, as per Sofascore.
McNair also made 79 touches, two interceptions, one tackle and one block throughout the 90-minute affair.
Boro have a big decision to make in the summer, with his contract due to expire at the end of June, meaning he’ll be free to depart on a free transfer.
McNair has been linked with a move to Leeds United in the past, and should he continue to put in performances like that on the weekend, he’ll attract interest from a number of suitors.
He has captained Middlesbrough on occasion this season and is clearly one of the leaders in the dressing room, so Carrick will be desperate to avoid losing him.
A lot will likely depend on what division the club end up in next term, with play-offs still attainable, although unlikely.
Finishing the season strongly must be the focus and any discussions of a contract renewal will seemingly happen once Boro’s destiny is revealed.