Adam Johnson in danger of missing the crucial Christmas campaign as the 22-year-old winger limped off in the defeat to Cardiff in the 65th minute clutching his hamstring.

Boro confirmed he is unlikely to be available for Sunday’s televised Tyne-Tees derby at St James’s Park.

Gordon Strachan: “We don't know yet, we'll have to wait a day or two to see how bad that is.”