In an interview with Middlesbrough’s official website, new midfielder Paddy McNair has said he ‘can’t wait to get going’ and get out on the pitch with his new teammates.
Middlesbrough announced the signing of the ex-Sunderland man this week. McNair penned a four-year deal with the club for a fee of around £5 million.
McNair was one of a few players from Sunderland who attracted a lot of attention following relegation. The Northern Ireland international was impressive throughout the campaign, scoring five goals in 16 appearances from central-midfield.
Although the former-Manchester United player was relegated last season with Sunderland, he believes he can use this to his advantage.
“No player wants to be involved in a team that’s been relegated, it was a hard 12 months,” he said.
“But at the same time it will stand me in good stead. At the same time it was a bad experience but I think it was a learning curve and I can use that at Middlesbrough.”
McNair also came across very determined and ready for the fight ahead. He outlined his ambitions for himself and for the club for the upcoming campaign.
“I can’t wait to get going” he said. “There’s no easy game in the Championship, it’s Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, and you have to be physically and mentally ready for it.
“Hopefully we can achieve the goal at the end of the season, and that’s to get back to the Premier League.”
There were also question marks around what position McNair will play. His versatility will certainly work to his advantage, and can fill plenty of roles on the pitch. Coming through Manchester United’s academy, McNair deputised in defence, at full-back and at centre-back, but has relished a central-midfield role since joining Sunderland in 2016.
“I’m a midfielder, more of a box-to-box” he clarified. “I’ll try my best every week and hopefully that will get us three points on a Saturday more often than not.”
