Assombalonga bonus for Boro

FOOTBALL: Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate is hoping to have Britt Assombalonga back for the festive period as his side prepare to take on Stoke City tonight.

Assombalonga has been the club’s leading scorer this season but has been sidelined since he was forced off during his side’s win at home to Charlton on December 7.

Woodgate said: “Britt will train today so we’ll see how he is.

“I’ve been very vocal in my support of Britt all season and he brings something extra to the team when he plays, and when defenders are playing against him they don’t like playing against him.

“So it will be a bonus if we can have him fit for the festive period.”

Woodgate will have to enter the festive period without a number of players including Ryan Shotton, George Friend, Anfernee Dijksteel and Darren Randolph who remain sidelined.

Paddy McNair and Marcus Browne are also suspended for the visit of Stoke.

The Potters head to the north east looking to try to climb the table and could go above Boro on goal difference with a win at the Riverside Stadium.

Stoke manager Michael O’Neill had to cancel his scheduled press conference on Thursday after suffering an illness but is expected to recover in time to take his place in the dugout on Friday.

Captain Ryan Shawcross is expected to miss the trip to Middlesbrough because of a groin injury. Shawcross could return from the problem, which has hampered his comeback from a broken leg suffered in the summer, in time to play on Boxing Day.