Danny Mills returns to Middlesbrough in a Manchester City shirt tonight with words from old teammate Gareth Southgate ringing in his ears: 'Beware the threat of Stewart Downing'.

Mills was the right-back who helped Boro lift their first major trophy in February when the Carling Cup was won at the Millennium Stadium.

But after his season long loan deal expired from Leeds, the tough defender was deemed surplus by manager Steve McClaren - a decision that still rankles with the player.

Mills claims he fully expected to sign for Middlesbrough in the summer, only to be left high and dry by McClaren's move for Holland international Michael Reiziger.

But Kevin Keegan moved swiftly to snap Mills up on a free transfer and he will line up for City tonight when there is sure to be a mixed reception for a full-back who manages to rile opposition fans up and down the country.

But Southgate, a colleague from days together with England as well, is looking forward to renewing acquaintances.

"I hope Danny gets a good reception at the start and from then on the sort of reception any other player gets when he goes to an old club. I know all about those because I am abused every time I go to Villa," he said.

"Danny was a big part of our success last year. He will go down in the history books as part of that cup winning team.

"He was popular with the staff and the players. He will have a point to prove because he would have liked to have been here.

"There were lots of things that were going on when he was going to sign. I have heard both sides because I'm a friend of Danny's and it's difficult to know what's gone on.

"It should be interesting to see the what opens up between Danny and Stewart.

"Danny will have seen enough of Stewart in training last year. They had one or two battles in training so it should be good to see what happens on the pitch.

"Danny will be well aware of what Stewart's capable of. He will be aware of the heights Stewart has reached already this season and, just as all full-backs are, Danny will be wary of his pace."

Mills was left frustrated when the proposed move to Middlesbrough broke down despite his claims he had 'assurances' a deal was going to go ahead.

But nevertheless the former Leeds man still looks back at his time on Teesside fondly and claims coach Steve Harrison has made him into a 'better player'.

And it is defensive coach Harrison who now is helping to develop the teenage talents of Tony McMahon.

McMahon, a right-back who has filled in for Reiziger and Stuart Parnaby this season, could be asked to play left-back tonight, with Franck Queudrue starting a three match suspension, and attempt to curb the threat of the exciting Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Captain Southgate paid tribute to the young talent from Evenwood.

He said: "Tony has been doing fantastically well. There would have been a tendency to push Michael in before he was ready but the boss hasn't been forced to rush him back ahead of schedule. That's due to Tony."

If Boro are going to reduce the five point gap that has opened up between themselves and fourth placed Manchester United then having their strikers find their feet in front of goal again is pivotal to their chances.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has now gone eight games without a goal while Mark Viduka's drought stretches back to the win over Banik Ostrava on September 16 - the Australian has had ten appearances in that time.

But Southgate insists it is only a matter of time before both score again.

"The reality is they started well and it's now become a focal point. We needed more from midfielders and the midfield contribution has been excellent," he said.

"They are not playing any differently. The goals will start to come for them again. People have to be aware of the character of Jimmy when he is frustrated. The body language portrays what's said really.

"But I remember when I started playing with Mark Bright at Crystal Palace, he was very demanding.

"I was petrified of him. But as I look back he was a winner and demanded high quality. I don't think Alan Shearer is a lot better if I'm honest.

"Top players demand good service and Jimmy is the same. Both Jimmy and Mark will soon score again."

After a shaky start, with Keegan apparently close to being sacked, City have found some form and climbed to tenth having won their last two and enjoying a five game unbeaten run.

Middlesbrough, by their high standards this season, have stuttered of late and lost their last two games against Villarreal and Tottenham.

But manager McClaren, who also has midfielder George Boateng missing tonight, insists his side have to be prepared to lose games and it is a test of his side's character to how they respond.

"It was inevitable we would have a blip. All sides, including Arsenal and Man United, have them. The games catch up on you and sometimes you lose. It's how you bounce back.

"We have had this before like when we lost to Chelsea but we responded by going to Man United getting a draw and going on a run. Now we need to go on another run.

"This squad doesn't get carried away and it really is a case of three games in a week catching up with everyone."

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