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).