MIDDLESBROUGH captain Jonny Howson has been pictured back in training, raising hopes the midfielder's return to action is imminent.

And in a further boost for Boro, Dael Fry has also been pictured in the club's latest training gallery. Fry got a week and a half of training under his belt before the international break so a further fortnight without any setbacks suggests the centre-half will soon be in contention to feature for Michael Carrick's side.

Matt Clarke was also pictured, with the centre-half having returned to the squad at Watford after missing the Stoke and West Brom games, as was Marcus Forss, who came off the bench late on at Vicarage Road for his first taste of action since March.

But there was no sign of Tommy Conway in the club's pictures. It remains uncertain at this stage whether the forward - who has missed Boro's last three games - will be ready to return against his former club Bristol City this weekend.

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Michael Carrick will update on the injury front when he speaks to the media at Rockliffe on Thursday afternoon.

Carrick will also closely monitor his returning internationals in the next 24-48 hours.

Riley McGree played the full 90 minutes for Australia in their 1-1 draw with Japan on Wednesday, while Aidan Morris was in action for the United States overnight as Mauricio Pochettino's side lost 2-0 to Mexico.

Both now face long trips back to Teesside and will be assessed by Boro upon their return. After the last international break, Carrick opted to rest Morris and brought Dan Barlaser into the side for the 1-1 draw with Preston.

Barlaser is again an option for Carrick, as is Law McCabe - and Howson could be depending on how long he's been in full training.

McGree was rested for the Watford game before the break with Carrick keen to be patient with the wideman after his spell on the sidelines. Micah Hamilton came into the side at Vicarage Road, Delano Burgzorg can play off the left while Finn Azaz has also been used in that position and could be an option if Carrick decides not to risk McGree and if Conway is available to return at No.10.

Darragh Lenihan and Tommy Smith remain sidelined as they work their way back from their injuries. Lukas Engel is also not expected to be ready to return this weekend and Alex Gilbert has been missing after twisting his knee last month.