Gareth Southgate will be able to give club record signing Afonso Alves his debut in Middlesbrough’s match at Newcastle on Sunday if the Brazilian is given international clearance from the Dutch football federation.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate could go into Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash at Manchester City with just one fit striker.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is expected to pass a late fitness test to keep his place in tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League game at West Ham.