MIDDLESBROUGH'S assistant manager Steve Round has pencilled Stewart Downing in for a January return - a month ahead of schedule.

The 21-year-old could be back in time for a potential Carling Cup semi-final if Boro beat Crystal Palace tonight and negotiate a quarter final tie next month.

Downing was expected to return in February after knee surgery three months ago, but Round revealed: "Stewart's doing very well - we're very pleased with his progress.

"He's ahead of schedule and we're hoping he'll be back in January. Depending on how the rehabilitation goes over December he could be playing again in January.

"The surgeon is very, very pleased with his progress and how the knee is. It all depends on whether he has any reaction over the next month and how the rehabilitation goes over the next four weeks.

"We are stepping up his training now and he's started running."

Boro have a near full -strength side to choose from tonight with only Gaizka Mendieta (calf) and Ray Parlour joining Downing on the sidelines.

Boro: Schwarzer, Parnaby, Ehiogu, Southgate, Pogatetz, Morrison, Doriva, Rochemback, Nemeth, Hasselbaink, Yakubu.

* Boro's Josh Walker has been selected for the England U17 squad for a friendly against Turkey at Notts County on Tuesday, December 13.

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