Boateng could be back for Boro

Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng could return to the starting line-up against former club Aston Villa tomorrow after recovering from a knee injury.

The Dutchman has been out of action since damaging a cartilage at Arsenal on December 21, but manager Steve McClaren has doubts over strikers Alen Boksic (virus) and Noel Whelan (back).

Long-term absentees Ugo Ehiogu (broken ribs), and Juninho (knee) remain on the casualty list, although the Brazilian is back on Teesside and progressing well in his rehabilitation after surgery on a cruciate ligament.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD: Schwarzer, Crossley, Parnaby, Stockdale, Queudrue, Southgate, Vidmar, Cooper, Greening, Boateng, Geremi, Wilson, Wilkshire, Job, Boksic, Maccarone, Nemeth.