Downing returns for Boro

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing finally made his long-awaited return from a five-month lay-off after undergoing knee surgery for today’s Barclays Premiership clash with Wigan at The Riverside.

Boro manager Steve McClaren restored Downing to the starting line-up, where he was joined by captain Gareth Southgate – who had missed the last two games with an ankle injury.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell handed debuts to new signings David Thompson and Neil Mellor, and with captain Arjan de Zeeuw out with an ankle injury, there was also a new centre-back pairing of Stephane Henchoz and Paul Scharner.