Middlesbrough midfielder Barry Robson will sit out the npower Championship clash with Leeds through suspension. Robson begins a three-match ban after being dismissed late in the club's 2-2 home draw with Portsmouth a fortnight ago for elbowing Aaron Mokoena and will miss the games against Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Norwich. Skipper Gary O'Neil has recovered from a tight hamstring but Senegal international Mickael Tavares is battling against a virus. Justin Hoyte is close to returning from a hamstring injury while Kevin Thomson hopes to be available after limping off just five minutes into his return from a fractured fibula against Pompey. Jonathan Franks (herniated disc), Willo Flood (knee), Rhys Williams (pelvis) and Matt Kilgallon (back) remain on the casualty list.
Source: PA
Source: PA