Defender On The Comeback Trail

The German international centre-back has been sidelined for almost two months with an ankle injury he picked up in training but Southgate is hopeful that Huth could be back in contention for a first team recall before the end of this month.

"We're hoping to have Robert back soon," the Boro boss told the Evening Gazette.

"He was playing very well for us before he was injured and he isn't a player we want to be without.

"But we'll give him the chance to ease his way back in gradually but he won't be ready to travel to Everton.

"It's always good to see injured players come back and the main benefit for us is that we have a healthy bench.

"It increases our options and means that we can make an impression from the bench."