Juninho returns for Boro tomorrow

Middlesbrough’s Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho will return to action tomorrow night for the first time since injury wrecked his Premiership homecoming.

The 30-year-old South American was devastated when he ruptured his cruciate ligament in a pre-season tournament in Italy just days after securing a shock move back to Boro.

Boro expect such a response to tomorrow’s home reserves match against Bradford - which will also see the return of defender Ugo Ehiogu following his the serious rib injury – that they have moved it to the Riverside Stadium.

“We’re delighted to see Juni back in a Boro shirt,” said manager Steve McClaren.

“His rehab has been long and hard for the little man. But he has been working extremely hard to regain full fitness, and I know he has been champing at the bit to play ever since he returned to training two weeks ago.

“He is excited about playing at the Riverside again, and I hope it will stand him in good stead for his first-team return.”