DAEL FRY and Marcus Forss will both play for Middlesbrough Under-21s this evening as they continue to build up their match sharpness following injury lay-offs.

The duo will feature for Boro’s second-string in their Premier League 2 game with Aston Villa at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park.

Forss has been back in the senior matchday squad in the last couple of weeks, and came off the bench in the games against Watford and Bristol City. Fry has not featured at all for the first team this season.

“Both Marcus and Dael have been out for a period of time now, so it’s about finding the minutes for them,” said Boro boss Michael Carrick. “It’s the match minutes that are really important.

“Marcus has come off the bench for a few minutes a couple of times over the last week or so, but really he needs to feel that feeling of playing in a match. Dael is similar, he’s not played since January/February time, so it’s important he gets that match. It’s a good chance for them to play a good part of the game.”

While Fry is closing in on a first-team return, his fellow centre-half, Darragh Lenihan, remains sidelined through injury.

READ MORE:

The 30-year-old briefly appeared during Boro’s pre-season programme, but continues to struggle with a combination of ankle and Achilles issues.

“Darragh’s still a bit away,” confirmed Carrick. “He’s had a couple of smaller issues that have just held him back, in around his ankle and his Achilles. He’s been out a period of time, and he certainly won’t be back before the next international break.

“Dael is back around it now, but everyone else is at least a few more weeks away. Lukas (Engel) is a little bit further, Tommy (Smith) and Alex (Bangura) are longer-term. Hopefully. Alex Gilbert will be back with us over the next couple of weeks. The squad is looking a lot stronger at the moment and hopefully that can continue.”