Kanu misses out on Baggies start

West Brom boss Bryan Robson returned to his former club with his current side looking to continue their fight for survival.

Robson, who enjoyed an eventful seven-year stint at the Riverside Stadium, was without the injured Kieran Richardson and suspended former Boro midfielder Jonathan Greening, and chose to leave striker Kanu on the bench.

Robert Earnshaw returned to the starting line-up, as did Martin Albrechtsen, as Albion attempted to build upon the eight points they have collected from the last 12 on offer.

Boro boss Steve McClaren made just one change to the side which was fortunate to escape with a point against Fulham on Tuesday night as Brazilian enforcer Doriva replaced Ray Parlour in central midfield.