Starlet eyes Boro recall

Defender David Wheater is hoping for a recall to the Middlesbrough side for Monday's tough trip to Manchester United.

The young Boro stopper has been left out on the substitutes' bench in recent games because boss Gareth Southgate has opted to pair Chris Riggott with either skipper Emanuel Pogatetz or Robert Huth in the centre of defence. However following a 3-0 defeat at Fulham followed by a 1-0 Boxing Day defeat to Everton, Wheater might feel he deserves a start against the Premier League, European and World champions at Old Trafford.

Huth was left out of the game against the Toffees on Friday and could earn a start, while Pogatetz might be used as a left-back ahead of Andrew Taylor.

Midfielder Didier Digard is again ruled out because of a groin strain, while Afonso Alves will be looking to oust either Mido or Tuncay Sanli from the starting XI after the duo were ineffective against Everton.

Southgate is under pressure after a run of seven games without a win has left Boro fourth-bottom in the Premier League and level on points with Stoke below them in the drop zone. However he is confident they can get back to winning ways and secure a top-10 place this term.

He said: "We are trying to improve and get back in the top 10. That is still within touching distance, but it is a hell of an achievement if we can do that.

"It might not be enough for people outside the club but we understand how long it takes for things to progress and there has to be reality about your objectives and how quickly they can be achieved.

"We had cup success in the past under Bryan (Robson) and Steve (McClaren) and both of them had one year finishing in the top 10. It's hard and we realise how hard it is going to be.

"We have got some players in our squad that we have got to get the best out of and if we get the best from our squad, then we might be able to achieve something."