Johnson back for Palace

Andy Johnson is set to return for Crystal Palace at home to Middlesbrough tomorrow after recovering from a foot injury.

Johnson was forced to pull out of England’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan but is available to boost Palace’s fight for Premiership survival.

Emmerson Boyce may be out for the rest of the season after breaking his foot in training and Palace are also without Nicola Ventola (fractured ankle), Tommy Black (broken leg) and Danny Butterfield (hernia).

Centre-back Gonzalo Serondo is doubtful with a medial knee ligament strain after limping off against Chelsea two weeks ago.

But Palace welcome back midfielder Vassilis Lakis from suspension and Tony Popovic trained with the squad today after returning from international duty with Australia.

Team (from) Kiraly, Granville, Sorondo, Hall, Freedman, Routledge, Torghelle, Riihilahti, Watson, Hughes, Soares, Leigertwood, Johnson, Speroni, Borrowdale.