McDonald flies out

The striker will now link up with his Australia team-mates for the Asian Cup and could be missing for up to a month.

Gary O'Neil, who has been linked with a January move away from Boro, was missing at Leeds on Saturday with an illness but he could come back into the reckoning.

Midfielder Kevin Thomson is doubtful after taking a whack on the calf at Elland Road so Barry Robson, who shrugged off a virus to come on as a substitute, could start.

Centre-half David Wheater needed stitches in a head injury but he will be patched up.

Jonathan Franks (hernia) is not far away but Stephen McManus (ankle), Willo Flood (knee), Rhys Williams (pelvis) and Matt Kilgallon (back) remain on the sidelines.

Source: PA

Source: PA