A bad day at the office for promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough saw the side from the north east smashed 3-0 at the Riverside Stadium by Derby County, with the result removing the hosts from the top-six.

Garry Monk will be frustrated with the performance of his side, and the conduct of central defender Daniel Ayala, who received a red card on the hour mark.

The Spaniard had already been heavily criticised for his behaviour in recent weeks, after an investigation was launched into two separate incidents that occurred during the loss to Leeds United.

Positives were few and far between for the hosts, but the return of striker Rudy Gestede to first team affairs will fill fans with hope.

The big forward had been sidelined for several weeks, but now appears ready to challenge for a starting spot once more.

Fans took to Twitter to express their delight at the player’s return…