Middlesbrough will be without suspended midfielder Matthew Bates for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to Stoke.

Stewart Downing is expected to be included in the Middlesbrough squad to face derby rivals Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League after having his transfer request refused.

THEY’RE back and meaning business. After the heartbreak of last year’s final defeat by Fr O’Neill’s, Bandon are back in the Evening Echo Cork Co IHC final and a tilt with Carrigaline after a rousing semi-final victory over great rivals Valley Rovers at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday.