Swift recovery for Southgate

Gareth Southgate has returned back to full training after being out for the last month with a groin injury which was meant to see him out of the side till December.

But the 35-year-old captain has reacted well to treatment and is now hoping to play against Fulham at the Riverside on Sunday.

Southgate is pleased with Boro’s new look 3-5-2 formation but insists it is time for them to get some consistency, starting on Sunday.

“We have two big matches coming up for us now with two home games against Fulham and West Brom and first and foremost we need to get ourselves in the top half of the table.

“It will be tough as Fulham in particularly have played very well and perhaps haven’t had the results they deserve.”

Boro V Fulham – Sunday 4.00pm Riverside Stadium