Middlesbrough ‘s Patrick Bamford fit to return against Millwall

Posted Thursday, April 26, 2018 by PA

Striker Patrick Bamford will return to the Middlesbrough squad as the Teessiders attempt to clinch a place in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs at home to Millwall.

Bamford sat out last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Derby as a precaution after suffering a head injury during the victory over Bristol City seven days earlier, but is expected to be available for the game at the Riverside Stadium.

However, he may have to fight to win back his place in the team with £15million signing Britt Assombalonga, who deputised last weekend, having scored what proved to be the winner at Pride Park.

Manager Tony Pulis otherwise has no fresh selection problems with striker Rudy Gestede his only absentee following ankle surgery.

Millwall will be without veteran striker Tim Cahill after he admitted a Football Association violent conduct charge and accepted a three-match ban.

The 38-year-old was charged on video evidence with elbowing Ryan Fredericks during last Friday night’s 3-0 home defeat by Fulham.

Central defender Byron Webster continues to work his way back from a knee injury, while midfielder Ben Thompson is close to a return after an ankle problem.

The defeat by Fulham was the Lions’ first in 18 league games and left them in seventh place, two points adrift of a play-off berth with two games to play.