Middlesbrough are set to be handed a welcome injury boost, with news emerging that Darren Randolph is ahead of schedule in his recovery efforts. 

The goalkeeper has been ruled out of Boro's last two league games, where they have gone on to keep back-to-back clean sheets with youngster Aynsley Pears between the posts.

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has recently revealed in an interview with FA Ireland's official website, that Randolph is confident he will be available for national selection when the international break comes round in November.

"He was sore coming back from international duty. He played against West Brom and was sore then too so he's had it for a while. Darren is hopeful at this point in time.

"The Denmark match is three weeks away still and Darren is confident that he has enough time on his side to get over the injury and play for us in the game that can get us to the Euros."

Randolph has made 12 league starts so far this season for Middlesbrough, and will be hoping to pick up where he left off when he does return from injury.

The shot-stopper has been a rare bright-spark for Jonathan Woodgate's struggling side, who are firmly in a relegation battle.

Middlesbrough occupy one of the spots in the bottom three in the Championship, and will be hoping to fire themselves up the table at the earliest of opportunities.

It remains to be seen as to whether Randolph will be available for their next league game, as they prepare to take on Derby County on Saturday.

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The Verdict: 

This will be a real boost for Middlesbrough.

Aynsley Pears hasn't done much wrong since coming into the first team for Jonathan Woodgate's side, but Randolph has been a key player for Boro when he's been fit enough to feature.

The sooner he is back in action, the better chances Middlesbrough stand at picking up points heading into the potentially season-defining festive period.