Duncan Watmore situation explained after ex-Sunderland forward signs short-term deal at Middlesbrough

The 26-year-old forward, who left Sunderland in the summer, signed a deal at Boro until mid-January earlier this week and could make his debut against Norwich on Saturday.

Watmore was close to moving to India before learning about Boro’s interest and has now been training with the Teessiders over the last few weeks.

And the forward has certainly made a positive impact on the Rockliffe training pitches, where he has been able to catch up with some familiar faces including former England team-mate Chuba Akpom.

When asked about Watmore ahead of Boro’s meeting with Norwich, Warnock told BBC Tees: “He's been a refreshing new face around the place. He's quick and direct, he's fitted in really well.

“He played under-21s with Chuba so it was nice to see them reminiscing.

“He's got better and better on the training ground. In the first week he probably wasn't quite up to it but he got better and better.”

"He had some good offers but he wanted to give it a go here. OK it's only a short term contract but he doesn't have to do much to impress me if he carries on.”

Boro are short of options up front after Ashley Fletcher was ruled out until next year with a hamstring injury.

When asked what he thinks Watmore’s best position is, Warnock replied: “I see him mainly as a wide man.

“At the moment we're playing full-backs as wingers so we need more there to provide for the strikers.”

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