Huth in fitness race

Middlesbrough central defender Robert Huth is set to make the squad for the clash with Hull but may not be fit enough to play.

The German international defender has been out with an ankle injury but was almost fit enough to make the bench against Newcastle last week but just missed out but there is hope he will be in the squad on Saturday.

Huth's chances of playing took a knock on Tuesday night when a reserve clash with Bolton, which he was scheduled to play in, was called off because of the weather.

With Emanual Pogatetz struggling with a shoulder injury it would be a welcome return for Huth but coach Colin Cooper is not promising anything. Cooper told the Gazette: "Robert was very close to being on the bench last week.

"It was a blow for him to miss the chance of a run-out last night, but he's certain to be close to the bench this week.

"It's great to have him back because you need your experienced players, especially at this time."