Boro's Morrison, Xavier return

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate welcomes back James Morrison and Abel Xavier for tomorrow’s crucial Barclays Premiership match against fellow strugglers Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Midfielder Morrison, who missed the Boxing Day draw with Everton due to a calf strain, will almost certainly dislodge Gaizka Mendieta from the starting line-up while defensive utility man Xavier (hamstring) is set to take a place on the bench.