O’Neil set to start for Boro
Midfielder Gary O’Neil has recovered from a calf strain and is expected to start for Middlesbrough in their Premier League opener against Tottenham at the Riverside Stadium tomorrow.
O’Neil is likely to play in midfield alongside new signing Didier Digard, while captain Emanuel Pogatetz has also returned to training this week after shaking off a knee niggle and may start in defence.
Manager Gareth Southgate must find a right-back following the departure of Luke Young to Aston Villa. He was trying to complete the signing of Justin Hoyte from Arsenal today, but has added 19-year-old defender Rhys Williams to his squad. Midfielder Julio Arca and defender Chris Riggott miss out with ankle and calf injuries respectively.
Provisional squad: Jones, Turnbull, Williams, McMahon, Taylor, Grounds, Huth, Wheater, Pogatetz, Aliadiere, Emnes, O’Neil, Digard, Shawky, Downing, Johnson, Tuncay, Mido, Alves.
