Middlesbrough News

GORDON STRACHAN has weighed into the debate regarding the lack of quality in the Championship this season by declaring it is better than when he played at the same level for Leeds United.

Tommy Rowe and Dave Kitson in aerial battle. Peterborough 2 Middlesbrough 2 Click here for full match stats Shaun Batt came off the bench to fire in a late equaliser for Peterborough and leave Gordon Strachan still looking for his first Coca-Cola Championship win in charge of Middlesbrough.

STEWART Downing has not given up hope of playing in the World Cup and will use his Aston Villa debut today as a thank you to Martin O'Neill for 'buying a 12 million player on crutches'. O'Neill took a calculated gamble, backed by medical opinion, in signing Downing from Middlesbrough in the summer despite the fact that he had a broken foot.

Middlesbrough subs : Coyne , McMahon, Grounds, Riggott, Bennett, Emnes, Yeates, Digard, Bent, Franks.

Middlesbro' 5/4 Peterborough 9/4 Draw 9/4 Click here for Peterborough news Click here for Middlesbrough news Click here for head-to-head stats Peterborough may hand a debut to Exodus Geohaghon when Middlesbrough visit London Road.

EMANUEL POGATETZ is hoping to repay a personal debt in the next six months, after admitting to feeling guilty about his inability to contribute to Middlesbrough's survival bid last season.

Stewart Downing boosted his chances of making a home debut for Aston Villa against Tottenham on Saturday after a successful appearance for the reserves last night.

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has revealed he is already preparing for the January transfer window.

Emile Heskey scored his first goal of the season for Aston Villa on Saturday to earn his side a 1-1 draw at Burnley.

If Gordon Strachan's beleaguered players need inspiration as they attempt to turn the corner under their new manager, they need look no further than battle-scared Emanuel Pogatetz.

Middlesbrough subs : Coyne, McMahon, Grounds, Riggott, Bennett, Arca, Yeates, Digard, Lita, Franks.

DAVE Kitson will make his Middlesbrough debut in this afternoon's home game with Nottingham Forest.

Middlesbro' Evens Draw 12/5 Nottm. Forest 11/4 Click here for Middlesbrough news Click here for Nottingham Forest news Click here for head-to-head stats Middlesbrough will hand a debut to Dave Kitson at home to Nottingham Forest after he joined on loan from Stoke this week.

Canary winger Wes Hoolahan is a target for Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough according to reports tonight.

New signing Stuart Giddings is one of five changes to the Darlington line-up for today's home game with Burton Albion.

The News of the World says Boro boss Gordon Strachan is planning his own January clear-out and will look to raise funds by flogging Didier Digard, Julio Arca and Aliadiere.

Premium Article ! Your account has been frozen . For your available options click the below button.

Your account has been frozen . For your available options click the below button.

Sunderland will hope to land Middlesbrough star Adam Johnson in the January transfer window.

MARTIN Oa NEILL and Stilyan Petrov might have given Isaiah Osbourne the lowdown on Gordon Strachan, but Middlesbrougha s new midfielder has revealed that Stewart Downing played a part in encouraging him to move.