Defender In Race Against Time

The Boro skipper has been forced to withdraw from the Austria squad for their international friendly against Turkey tonight (Wednesday) because he is still feeling the effects of the knee ligament injury he has been troubled with since the away win at Aston Villa earlier this month.

"Pogi's still feeling his knee," Boro coach Steve Agnew told the Evening Gazette.

"If he'd been forced to play in midweek then it would have caused him problems.

"But our medical staff got in touch with the Austrian FA and he wasn't asked to travel. After the Everton game we felt that it was vital that he got more rest.

"Pogi being Pogi he'll play against Bolton if it's at all possible. We're hopeful. He'll benefit from another 48 hours."