Middlesbrough receive squad boost ahead of West Brom clash

Chris Wilder’s men face play-off rivals West Brom on Tuesday night, with only three points separating the sides.

Boro have received a squad boost ahead of the game, with Sporar having returned to training following a bout with illness.

Sporar missed the team’s defeat to Bristol City on Saturday, but is expected to be available for the match at the Riverside. 

Wilder was relieved to have him back in the team ahead of such a big game. 

“We’ve got him back, so that’s good. He was in yesterday and he’ll train this morning, so he’ll be part of the group tomorrow,” said the Boro boss, via the Northern Echo.

Unfortunately, Matt Crooks will be absent from the side’s next two games following his tenth booking of the season on Saturday.

It is expected that Riley McGree will step into the side in his place.

“Matt’s been a big player for us, but these things happen. He’s picked up ten cautions,” continued Wilder. 

“If you’ve seen Riley’s performances coming off the bench on Saturday and against Derby, then I’m excited to work with him.

“He’s a talented boy. He’s the first real permanent signing of my tenure as manager, and he’s technically very good. He’s physically very good, and is athletic and can get about the pitch.

“He’s got a fabulous mentality and a lot of talent, and these are the type of players we’re going to try to bring to the football club – technical players who want to do well for the club and the team, who can run around, and who want to win.”

The defeat to Bristol City on Saturday saw Boro fall to seventh in the Championship table.

Wilder will be hoping his side bounces back, with the side only one point outside the top six places.

However, a defeat could see the side fall even further in the table with 11th place