MIDDLESBROUGH'S Carling Cup winning heroes will reunite in the town tonight 20 years on from the day they lifted the trophy in Cardiff - but Juninho will no longer be attending in person after "issues" in Brazil forced the club legend to change his plans.

The former Brazil international will still be speaking at the event - which takes place at Middlesbrough Town Hall tonight - via Zoom.

Juninho apologised in an email sent out on Wednesday night to supporters with tickets for the event.

He said: "Hi guys. Unfortunately I'm not able to be with you in person. I have some issues here in Brazil with my club. And I cannot be away from them at this moment.

"I am so sorry but I hope you are understanding. But I will still be able to participate with you through Zoom. So I hope to see all of you at dinner. Thanks again for the understanding."

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Boro fans reacted with understandable disappointment to the news. The exact reason for Juninho's change of plan isn't known, but Ituano - where he is president - have endured a nightmare start to the current season and this week changed managers.

Juninho last week said he had "pain in his heart" after sacking manager Marcinho after a nine-game winless streak. Alberto Valentim was appointed as Ituano's new manager on Monday. He'll take charge of the side for the first time on Saturday.

Although Juninho won't be at the Town Hall in person, Carling Cup winning captain and England manager Gareth Southgate will be present, alongside the likes of Franck Queudrue, George Boateng, Szilard Nemeth, Stewart Downing and Massimo Maccarone, who was at Boro's training ground on Wednesday.

Chairman Steve Gibson is also expected to be in attendance.