Schwarzer welcomed back for Boro

Middlesbrough ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer returned from a five-game absence to bolster his club’s bid for European football against Tottenham.

The Australian had been out with a back problem, but was declared fit in the nick of time after deputy Brad Jones went down with chickenpox.

That was one of three changes made by manager Steve McClaren for a game which would see the winners close in on a UEFA Cup berth.

Stewart Downing was included at the expense of Doriva after being rested for the last two games and Stuart Parnaby came in for Andrew Davies.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol was without first-choice ‘keeper Paul Robinson because of a knee injury, Czech Radek Cerny taking his place, while England striker Jermain Defoe got the nod ahead of Robbie Keane.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Parnaby, Southgate, Ehiogu, Queudrue, Parlour, Boateng, Zenden, Downing, Hasselbaink, Nemeth. Subs: Reiziger, Doriva, Cooper, Morrison, Knight.

Tottenham: Cerny, Edman, King, Dawson, Kelly, Reid, Carrick, Davis, Davies, Kanoute, Defoe. Subs: Bunjevcevic, Keane, Mido, Ziegler, Fulop.

Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire)