Boro monitor Yakubu fitness

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren will monitor the fitness of striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu ahead of the Newcastle match tomorrow.

The Nigerian international took a knock on the hip during the 0-0 draw against Manchester City at the Riverside Stadium yesterday.

Middlesbrough, who have taken only six points from eight games, will be again be without injured duo George Boateng (ankle) and Fabio Rochemback (calf).

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Parnaby, Riggott, Southgate, Queudrue, Pogatetz, Doriva, Mendieta, Morrison, Yakubu, Viduka, Hasselbaink, Jones, Maccarone, Bates, Cattermole.