‘Confident and composed’: Former Middlesbrough boss' exciting verdict over reported Portsmouth and Oxford United target
Pompey and Oxford United have been linked with a move for Paddy McNair this January.
Pompey have been given a glowing refence over reported transfer target Paddy McNair by former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick.
The Blues are said to be in the running to land the versatile defender, alongside Championship relegation rivals Oxford United.
John Mousinho’s men currently sit 21st in the standings after an underwhelming start to the season, which has seen them pick up 25 points from 24 games.
Who is reported Pompey target Paddy McNair?
After coming through the ranks at Manchester United, McNair would go on to have a frustrating spell with Sunderland before enjoying a successful six-year stay with Middlesbrough.
This saw the centre-back amass 219 appearances at the Riverside Stadium before his 2024 exit when he completed a free-transfer switch to MLS outfit San Diego.
Since then, the 80-cap Northern Ireland international has flourished in the United States and registered 25 outings for SDFC last term, who finished top of the Western Conference before a play-off defeat.
And Carrick, who was a team-mate of McNair at Old Trafford as well as his boss at Middlesbrough, is a huge admirer of the defender’s ‘terrific’ attributes.
Speaking after a 2-0 friendly win against Hibernian in 2022, the ex-Boro head coach gave the classy operator a glowing reference and highlighted the reported Pompey target’s outstanding versatility.
Exciting verdict over reported Pompey target
He told Teesside Live at the time: ‘I think that's where he feels comfortable and wants to play," said Carrick.
‘I had a good chat with Paddy and I thought he was terrific today, probably the best player throughout the game with his passing from the back and composure on the ball.
‘He played right side, left side and looked confident and composed on the ball which was good.
‘Competition for places is what we want. The boys who have been playing have been great and the ones that are behind have to push them and try and step in front, so it was good that everyone played their part today.
‘I think it’s just about nailing a position for Paddy, and training in a position where it’s clear for you. Mentally, it’s not easy swap positions and chop and change at times.
‘I’ve done that myself and it’s not always easy to do. Like a lot of the players, you just want to give the lads their chance and want them to express themselves and do what they’re good at. I thought Paddy did that today, he was really good.’