Boro duo could return

Middlesbrough captain George Boateng (knee) and winger Stewart Downing (groin) are poised to return from injury for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

With just one win from six league matches, new boss Gareth Southgate may opt to return to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation against the struggling Blades, meaning a return to the starting XI for Mark Viduka.

Malcolm Christie suffered an ankle injury in midweek and will not travel, while Julio Arca (broken foot) and Chris Riggott (knee ligaments) are still sidelined.

Team (from): Schwarzer, Davies, Taylor, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Boateng, Rochemback, Parnaby, Downing, Viduka, Yakubu, Turnbull, Bates, Morrison, Mendieta, Euell, Maccarone.