Boro hopeful of double boost

England defender Jonathan Woodgate and keeper Mark Schwarzer could return for Middlesbrough’s bid for a first away win of the season at Charlton.

The pair missed out on Saturday’s 1-1 FA Cup third-round draw at Hull through injury, but both are back in training and could figure at The Valley.

Woodgate had to leave the pitch during his side’s 3-1 New Year’s Day victory over Sheffield United with a knee problem, while Schwarzer suffered a back strain in the same game.

Manager Gareth Southgate said: “Woodgate and Schwarzer are training with us again, which is good to see.

“Provided everything goes well, they will be back in the squad for the match at Charlton.

“Woodgate picked up a knock early on against Sheffield United and we brought him off.

“He might have been able to run it off, but I am not prepared to take risks with players’ fitness. That is why we did not rush him back at Hull.

“The same applies to Schwarzer. He was feeling his back during the week and the sensible thing was to leave him out at Hull. But both players are fine now.”

Boro will head south having taken seven points from a possible 12 over the Christmas period to ease themselves into 15th place in the Barclays Premiership table, six points clear of West Ham in 18th.

However, with Alan Pardew’s side just two points worse off than his former club, Southgate knows a victory for the Londoners could drag the Teessiders back towards the drop zone.

Southgate could also have Andrew Davies available once again after an ankle injury, although Abel Xavier’s form has been such that the 22-year-old may have to wait for his chance.

Striker Massimo Maccarone is back in light training after recovering from a hamstring problem, while £6m defender Robert Huth is taking things slowly as he attempts to work his way back from a troublesome foot injury.