Premiership: McAteer starts in derby battle

New signing Jason McAteer was thrown straight in at the deep end as Sunderland went into derby battle at Middlesbrough tonight.

The 30-year-old midfielder replaced the injured Kevin Kilbane, and there was a return for Swiss full-back Bernt Haas after his recovery from a hamstring strain at the expense of Darren Williams, while England midfielder Gavin McCann was back from suspension for Paul Thirlwell.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren handed Argentinian teenager Carlos Marinelli just his third Premiership start as he also made three changes to the side which drew 0-0 at Charlton last Saturday.

The 19-year-old came in for Mark Wilson, while there were returns for Mark Schwarzer and Robbie Mustoe, and a home debut for French loan signing Franck Queudrue.

Middlesbrough v Sunderland

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Stockdale, Ehiogu, Southgate, Queudrue, Greening, Mustoe, Ince, Marinelli, Nemeth, Boksic.

Subs: Windass, Wilson, Crossley, Cooper, Johnston.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Haas, Craddock, Varga, Gray, Schwarz, McCann, McAteer, Arca, Quinn, Phillips.

Subs: Thome, Laslandes, Bellion, Williams, Macho.

Referee: M Halsey (Welwyn Garden City)