Downing back

England winger Stewart Downing returns to the Middlesbrough squad for the first time since undergoing knee surgery, in tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Wigan.

The 21-year-old is likely to be restricted to a place on the bench after being sidelined since August.

Captain Gareth Southgate could start after recovering from an ankle problem, while goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will hope for a recall after withdrawing his transfer request.

Doriva is back from suspension. But George Boateng (ankle), Franck Queudrue (knee), James Morrison (hip), Tony McMahon (shoulder), Szilard Nemeth (groin) and Malcolm Christie (foot) are still out.

Team (from): Jones, Schwarzer, Parnaby, Pogatetz, Taylor, Southgate, Ehiogu, Riggott, Bates, Wheater, Doriva, Mendieta, Cattermole, Downing, Rochemback, Parlour, Johnson, Yakubu, Hasselbaink, Viduka, Maccarone.