Boro have no new injuries

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has only sore muscles and bumps and bruises to concern him as he prepares for the Premiership trip to Aston Villa.

Boro picked up no fresh injuries in their 3-1 Boxing Day win over Manchester United, although several members of McClaren’s squad were left nursing minor knocks.

Noel Whelan could return from a groin strain, while Robbie Stockdale is back in training after a heel problem, but midfielder George Boateng is out for several weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a knee cartilage.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Crossley, Parnaby, Queudrue, Cooper, Southgate, Ehiogu, Vidmar, Greening, Geremi, Wilson, Wilkshire, Windass, Whelan, Job, Boksic, Nemeth, Maccarone.