Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry is closing in on a return to the first-team after injury and is expected to have a run-out for the U23s tomorrow night.

The highly-rated England U21 international has missed pre-season but boss Jonathan Woodgate revealed to the official site that he expects the defender to return to the fold after getting some game time against the Stoke City development side.

"He'll play 60 minutes on Friday night and then hopefully he'll be back with us."

There was more good news for the Teesside outfit with experienced defender George Friend getting a full game under his belt in the week against Crewe and the boss confirmed he is in contention to start at Blackburn this weekend.

"Sometimes you have to rein him in a little - you know what George is like, he doesn't have an 80% button, only a 100% one. He's back in the frame and will be there or thereabouts on Saturday."

However, it wasn't all good news for the north-east side, with Rudy Gestede and Hayden Coulson expected to miss the trip to Ewood Park.

The Verdict

Having Fry back will be a big boost for Boro as he is a very good defender and has the potential to be a star in the Championship.

Boro haven't convinced defensively under Woodgate, so bringing Fry and Friend back into the XI is going to really help the side.

Of course, they need to be patient with the pair at this stage of the season as there would be no point rushing them back as they may suffer a setback.

Either way, there's enough competition for places for the weekend game as Woodgate seeks his first win as manager.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.