Back to league concerns for Boro

Following their midweek action in the Capital One Cup, it's back to crucial league matters for Middlesbrough with the arrival of Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Riverside this weekend.

On loan midfielder Josh McEachran is available to return having been cup-tied in midweek while Jonathan Woodgate could be recalled from a calf injury.

But manager Tony Mowbray awaits late checks on Grant Leadbitter, Faris Haroun, Andre Bikey (all hamstring), Andy Halliday (Achilles) and Seb Hines (knee), who all collected knocks during their unlucky defeat at Swansea City. At least defender George Friend should continue despite experiencing a little discomfort following his return from injury.

"It's a case of wait and see," Mowbray admitted to Boro's official website. "We'll see after training and get the team ready for Saturday.

"We'll be okay - we've got a decent squad and if some people don't make it we've got others who can come in," he added. "We've got to dig as deep as we need to into the squad. People might have to play out of position at times. But we'll have a very competitive side out."

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara (hernia) was unlikely to return for the visitors, who currently lie in sixteenth place in the table following their relegation last season.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.