Massive defender crisis for Boro

Gareth Southgate is down to the bare bones in terms of central defenders and had to resort to moving Andrew Davies from right-back for last Saturday's visit of AZ Alkmaar.

With Robert Huth (ankle) and Jonathan Woodgate (knee) having close season operations it was always likely they would not feature in the early games. The duo are likely to be out until the middle of September.

Matthew Bates suffered a really bad cruciate injury in the friendly with Darlington and is expected to be out all season.

Emanuel Pogatez was also a pre-season friendly casualty, suffering cartilage damage and he could be out until the New Year.

Their is better news on the fifth missing defender as Chris Riggott (bruised foot) could be available for selection by the end of the month.