Davies debut for Bolton

Kevin Davies took to the field today having just put pen to paper on a new three-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at Bolton until 2010.

The striker, who was due to be out of contract at the end of the season, led the line ahead of a side which saw two changes from the goalless draw with Manchester City, with skipper Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye returning.

Davies said: “I’m delighted that everything is sorted now. The future is very promising for this football club and I’m happy that I can be a part of it.”

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce added: “Kevin is crucial to the ongoing success we have at this football club and I’m thrilled that his committed his future to us.”

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate had three players back from injury - skipper George Boateng plus defenders Andrew Taylor and Emanuel Pogatetz.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Xavier, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Taylor, Cattermole, Boateng, Arca, Downing, Yakubu, Viduka.

Replacements: Jones, Christie, Euell, Davies, Morrison.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Faye, Meite, Ben Haim, Davies, Nolan, Campo, Speed, Diouf, Anelka.

Replacements: Walker, Giannakopoulos, Gardner, Teymourian, Vaz Te.

Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire).