Injury plagued Boro get boost

Gaizka Mendieta has boosted Middlesbrough by returning to training.

The former Valencia midfielder has missed Boro's last three games with a calf problem, but is now ready to return.

Szilard Nemeth, who was absent from the defeat to Chelsea, has also overcome a stomach bug to return to training.

However, the injuries are still piling up for Boro - who are likely to take a weakened team to face Banik Ostrava in the Uefa Cup on Thursday.

First choice strikers Mark Viduka (back) and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (hamstring) are both struggling while Joseph-Desire Job (hamstring) may also not make the trip to Czech Republic.

Ugo Ehiogu is already out with a calf injury, while Chris Riggott picked up a thigh problem at the weekend - leaving veteran Colin Cooper and Gareth Southgate as the only fit central defenders, as Andrew Davies suffered a setback in his rehabilitation last week.

Ray Parlour was stretchered off with a seriously gashed knee and is also doubtful, meaning Boro could be without at least six first team regulars for their first ever European away trip.

With a 3-0 advantage, Boro boss Stave McClaren will also have one eye on Sunday's trip to Manchester United.