Viduka return for Boro

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is boosted by the return to fitness of striker Mark Viduka as his side begin their UEFA Cup Group E campaign against Greek minnows Egaleo tomorrow night.

The Australian, who missed the Premiership clashes with Manchester United and Blackburn, has been included in the 19-man Boro squad which left Teeside for Athens this morning.

As well as Viduka, McClaren has added defender Colin Cooper and midfielder Doriva to the squad of 16 players selected for the stunning 4-0 victory at Ewood Park last weekend.

Viduka has forced his way into contention after recovering from a back injury and could resume his striking partnership with in-form Dutchman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who struck a hat-trick against Rovers to take his season’s tally to seven goals. Stewart Downing is the most likely to make way.

McClaren has no fresh injury worries to report, with longer-term injury victims Malcolm Christie, Michael Reiziger and Joseph-Desire Job all still ruled out.

French defender Frank Queudrue also misses out through suspension following his red card in the 1-1 first round second leg draw with Czech outfit Banik Ostrava.