Morrison back for Boro

New signing Fabio Rochemback will miss Middlesbrough’s UEFA Cup clash with Greek side Skoda Xanthi after playing for Sporting Lisbon in this season’s Champions League.

The 23-year-old Brazilian is ineligible until February at the earliest, although manager Steve McClaren has been boosted by the return of teenage midfielder James Morrison from illness.

Fellow youngster Jason Kennedy is once again included, but Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (thigh), Gaizka Mendieta (calf), Chris Riggott, Stuart Parnaby and Stewart Downing (all knee), Szilard Nemeth (ankle) and Tony McMahon (shoulder) are all out.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Jones, Xavier, Queudrue, Pogatetz, Southgate, Ehiogu, Wheater, Boateng, Parlour, Johnson, Morrison, Doriva, Kennedy, Yakubu, Viduka, Maccarone, Graham.