Bates set for comeback with reserves tonight

The visitors also have a player returning to action with Joey Barton returning after a five match disciplinary ban. Get along and give him some stick.

Boro after fifth in the table and Newcastle are 10th in the eleven team league.

Tom Craddock has scored seven of the team's eight goals in four games, the other one was an own goal, but he will not feature tonight.

The Boro squad is:-
Steele, Filler; Bates, Bennett, Corker, Cronesberry, Emnes, Franks, Hines, J Johnson, Porritt, Robinson, Saiko, Shead, Smallwood, Walker