DAVID Strelec is in contention to return to the Middlesbrough squad for tomorrow's game against Derby County after resuming training.

Strelec was involved at Rockliffe yesterday as Kim Hellberg took training for the first time.

The striker has been absent from the squad for the last two games since the international break after returning from his stint away with Slovakia with a foot problem.

Strelec had to step out of training a week ago yesterday and was then sent for a scan on the problem at the start of this week.

But the scans revealed that there was no serious injury to the foot, and Strelec is now expected to return to the squad, which will be a boost for Boro .

RECOMMENDED READING:

Defensively, however, Boro are still expected to be short for tomorrow's game.

George Edmunds

See Full Page