New signing set for debut

New signing Josh McEachran goes straight into the squad for Middlesbrough's opening home game of the season against Burnley this evening.

The nineteen-year-old has arrived on a season-long loan from Champions League winners Chelsea and should certainly offer added creation into the side.

Boro could also be boosted by the return from a calf injury of Scottish international midfielder Kevin Thomson but recent signing Mustapha Carayol is again doubtful with hamstring trouble.

Knee injury victims Lukas Jutkiewicz and Joe Bennett are both still out and could be joined on the sidelines by Marvin Emnes after hurting his ankle at Barnsley.

"This is a big test for us," manager Tony Mowbray admitted to Boro's official website. "Burnley managed to win at the Riverside last year and we have to try and get our home form together as soon as possible. They're always a difficult side to play against, they've got some good players.

"If we can put our best eleven out I'm confident we'll have an exciting side that can score goals and win football matches," he added. "At the moment we've had one or two knocks that have exposed a real lack of depth in the squad."

Chris McCann and Marvin Bartley have both recovered from slight knocks for the visitors, who began at the weekend with a 2-0 home victory over local rivals Bolton Wanderers.

But winger Keith Treacy is still struggling with a groin strain and likely to miss out.

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