Quedrue could return for Boro

Franck Queudrue has returned to training after a head injury and is in contention for Middlesbrough’s clash against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Andrew Davies could also return after being cup-tied for the midweek FA Cup win against Charlton.

Lee Cattermole is struggling with an ankle injury, while Emanuel Pogatetz (facial fractures) and Gaizka Mendieta (fractured metatarsal) are out for the season.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Jones, Queudrue, Southgate, Riggott, Ehiogu, Parnaby, Bates, Boateng, Doriva, Downing, Parlour, Rochemback, Morrison, Johnson, Kennedy, Yakubu, Hasselbaink, Viduka, Maccarone, Taylor, Davies.