Downing in contention

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing could return to the squad for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Birmingham after recovering from a knee problem.

The England international missed last weekend’s 2-0 victory at West Brom, but manager Steve McClaren is hopeful that the break has allowed the injury to clear up.

Doriva is also in contention after a back strain, while Ray Parlour (ankle) and James Morrison (hip) are on the comeback trail, although both will miss out tomorrow, and Fabio Rochemback (ankle) is a long-term absentee.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Jones, Parnaby, Davies, Southgate, Riggott, Ehiogu, Bates, Boateng, Doriva, Downing, Mendieta, Cattermole, Johnson, Kennedy, Yakubu, Hasselbaink, Viduka, Maccarone.