Boro's line up v Blackburn

With Fabio Rochemback suspended for the first three games following his pre-season dismissal Gareth Southgate could have well gone without the injury crisis that has now emerged.

He is without four central defenders Matthew Bates, Emanuel Pogatez, Robert Huth and Jonathan Woodgate (listed in order of how long they are likely to be out for).

The Boro line up is:
Schwarzer, Davies, Wheater, Riggott, Taylor, Tuncay, Boateng, Arca, Downing, Yakubu, Aliadiere
Subs: Jones, hines, Cattermole, Johnson, Dong-Gook Lee