MICHAEL Carrick has been handed a major fitness boost, with Darragh Lenihan back in action.
The centre-half is starting at Gateshead tonight in what will be his first appearance since September last year.
Lenihan, who has been out with an ankle injury, bolsters an already strong defensive department, with Carrick set for some dilemmas at centre-half in the weeks ahead.
Rav van den Berg and Matt Clarke are both on the bench at Gateshead, with Jonny Howson set to partner Lenihan at the back.
Dael Fry is absent.
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Tom Glover is starting in goal, with Anfernee Dijksteel and Lukas Engel playing at full-back.
Hayden Hackney and Dan Barlaser are the midfield two, with Sonny Finch, Alex Gilbert and Delano Burgzorg supporting Emmanuel Latte Lath.
It's Boro's second domestic friendly of the summer after the 3-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday. The game kicks off at 7.30pm.
Boro: Glover, Dijksteel, Howson, Lenihan, Engel; Hackney, Barlaser; Finch, Gilbert, Burgzorg, Latte Lath
Subs: Van den Berg, Clarke, McGree, Jones, Ayling, Morris, Coburn, Azaz, McCormick, Hamelberg, Brynn, McCabe
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