Neil Warnock will hope to manage Middlesbrough remotely again this weekend – but it all depends on technology.

While trusted lieutenants Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson ran things from the sidelines last Saturday in the draw against Bournemouth, Warnock was able to speak to the players both before and after the game via zoom.

And with Warnock not travelling to QPR this weekend, Boro hope to repeat the process, providing facilities at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium allow.

Blackwell said: “It was easy for us at home because we have all the technology up at the Riverside Stadium to do that.

“We’re not sure yet if we can get all the technology working underneath the stand on the far end at QPR.

“We’ll have to see when we get down there.”

Warnock returned to Rockliffe on Friday morning for the first time since his positive COVID-19 test. He gave a team meeting before the players departed for the capital.

He has also been working remotely, having discussions with his coaching team about tactics and team selection in preparation for the Championship clash.

With plenty of management experience and know-how of Warnock’s methods and demands between them, however, Blackwell says there are no concerns over the Boro boss not being there on the day – even if it was difficult to convince him not make the journey.

“He’s done his isolation up here, ironically just a short journey from the training ground because he couldn’t travel home to Cornwall. I think that’s been frustrating for him,” Warnock’s number two said.

“He’s quite happy to know myself and Ronnie are in charge because we’ve done it so many times before.

“So it’s a chance for him to rest and recuperate and come back stronger.”

In the opposition dug-out will be Mark Warburton. At his pre-match press conference he was asked his thoughts on Warnock not being there.

And he’s certain his side will have no advantage from his absence.

“If Neil is in that position again tomorrow it may not be ideal, but a manager has to trust his staff,” the QPR manager said.

“There is no point having them and not having them, and that would be the same if you went down with the flu or anything else.

“A manager must rely on their personnel so whether Neil is on a phone or Zoom or watching the game on TV, he will trust Kevin Blackwell and the rest.

“And I’m sure if he wasn’t at a match Kevin would understand what he was thinking anyway.”