O'Neil worry for Boro

O'Neil: Hamstring problem

Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil could miss out on a return to his former club Portsmouth due to injury.

O'Neil left Fratton Park for the Riverside in the summer, but has sat out his current side's last two games with a hamstring problem.

He will undergo a fitness test before Saturday's game on the South Coast and Boro boss Gareth Southgate is hoping for a positive outcome.

"He's back running in training, so that's encouraging," Southgate told the club's official website.

"We'll have to monitor him, and the rest of them, right through until possibly Saturday morning."

Freshen things up

David Wheater and Jeremie Aliadiere are also doubtful for Saturday's match at Fratton Park after being replaced at half-time in the Boxing Day defeat at Birmingham City.

Southgate added: "Wheats has been ill and Jeremie was tight in his hamstrings.

"We didn't want to take any chances and it gave us a chance to freshen things up for a bit."