Keeper handed chance

Middlesbrough are set to hand reserve goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler a first start for the club at Preston North End in the Capital One Cup this evening.

Regular keeper Jason Steele is carrying a slight calf problem and manager Tony Mowbray wants to see his Swiss deputy in senior action for the first time. Leutwiler, 23, is a former under-20 international and joined Boro over the summer following a successful trial.

"The fact he stayed here, took himself out of his environment, played in five games over five weeks for us speaks volumes for his character," Mowbray told the Northern Echo. "He had a wonderful personality, did exceptionally well, looked capable.

"He fitted in with the structure of what we were trying to do financially as well," he added. "Leutwiler showed enough in pre-season to suggest he is worth giving a chance."

Boro are expected to make a number of changes for their third successive away trip to Lancashire following visits to Blackpool and Blackburn.

Defender Jonathan Woodgate and midfielder Grant Leadbitter are both rested with tight hamstrings while full-back Justin Hoyte and striker Ishmael Miller won't be involved either.

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