DIDIER Digard returns to Middlesbrough's starting line-up for this afternoon's Championship home game with Watford.

The French midfielder will make his first appearance since the opening-day draw with Sheffield United after recovering from a knee injury.

Digard replaces Rhys Williams in the only change to the Boro side that won 2-0 at Reading in the game before the recent international break.

Williams drops down to the bench after a hectic week that saw him travel halfway around the world to take his place in the Australian national squad.

Jeremie Aliadiere has passed a fitness test and will partner Leroy Lita in the Boro attack.

Watford have named a familiar face in their starting line-up, with striker Danny Graham returning to the Riverside for the first time since leaving Boro for Carlisle.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Jones; McMahon, Wheater, St Ledger, Bennett; Yeates, O'Neil, Digard, Johnson; Lita, Aliadiere.

Subs: Coyne (gk), Hoyte, Pogatetz, Emnes, Arca, Grounds, Williams.

WATFORD (4-4-2): Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, Cathcart, Doyley; Cleverley, Jenkins, Lansbury, Harley; Cowie, Graham.

Subs: Bond (gk), Severin, Bennett, Hoskins, Henderson, Ellington, Bryan.