Middlesbrough vs Wigan Athletic preview - Duo in line for Boro bows

Posted Thursday, April 02, 2015 by PA

Middlesbrough's new loan signings Fernando Amorebieta and Dwight Tiendalli are hoping to make their debuts in the home game against Wigan.

Amorebieta arrived on loan from Fulham last week and fellow defender Tiendelli followed from Swansea. Both players will stay at the Riverside until the end of the season.

Full-back Ryan Fredericks (hamstring) and central defender Daniel Ayala (thigh) both missed the defeat at Bournemouth last time out and doubts remain over their match fitness, but Jonathan Woodgate has declared his availability despite nursing a broken toe.

Damia Abella (knee) and Rhys Williams (Achilles) remain long-term absentees as Boro chase a fourth straight home win.

Top scorer James McClean returns from a two-game suspension for struggling Wigan, who are aiming for a fifth straight away triumph.

The Republic of Ireland international, who quelled fears over an ankle problem by featuring for his country on Sunday, has missed Latics' last two games having picked up 10 cautions this term.

Midfielder Don Cowie will also be absent for Malky Mackay's men in the north east after he picked up a knee injury in training which could sideline him for three weeks.

And neither Wales international Emyr Huws (ankle) or striker Grant Holt (knee) will feature again this season.