Boateng fit for Boro

Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng is available for tomorrow’s home clash with Crystal Palace after being given the all-clear over an ankle problem.

The Dutchman has had X-rays on the injury, which he picked up in Wednesday night’s 2-0 win at Fulham, but the good news for manager Steve McClaren is that it is just bruised.

Stewart Downing has recovered from a hamstring strain, but full-back Michael Reiziger will have an operation on his shoulder tomorrow which will sideline him for two months.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Nash, Parnaby, Queudrue, Cooper, Southgate, Ehiogu, Riggott, Boateng, Mendieta, Zenden, Parlour, Downing, Doriva, Hasselbaink, Viduka, Job, Nemeth, Maccarone.