Woodgate takes home bow

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate handed Jonathan Woodgate a home debut as he recalled his big guns.

Southgate, who rested eight men for Wednesday’s Carling Cup defeat by Notts County, brought seven first-team regulars back with Adam Johnson the only casualty.

Captain Woodgate was joined in the starting line-up by Gaizka Mendieta, used only as a substitute at Bolton last weekend, and Stuart Parnaby.

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes made only one change to the side which secured a first victory of the season over Manchester City last week, Shabani Nonda replacing the ill Francis Jeffers.