GARRY MONK is hoping Fabio Da Silva and Grant Leadbitter will be available for Middlesbrough’s home game with Norwich City tomorrow, despite the pair both suffering problems at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Fabio was forced off in the 75th minute of Boro’s 1-1 draw with Fulham after sustaining a kick on the calf that resulted in a series of cramps. The defender was hobbling badly as he left the field, but should be fit to line up at the Riverside tomorrow.

Leadbitter is still feeling the effects of the knock to the knee he suffered against QPR, and it was noticeable that despite being named amongst the substitutes, the midfielder barely took part in the pre-match warm up.

However, with another couple of days of rest, he could be available to face Norwich tomorrow as Boro look to extend their current unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions.

“Fabio’s was just a kick,” said Monk. “He had a kick on the calf, and that kick caused a bit of cramp so we decided to take him off. But it’s nothing serious.

“Grant got a kick on his knee against QPR. He’s fine, but we want everyone on the pitch to be at 100 per cent so that they’re ready to do the job that’s needed.”

In Leadbitter’s absence, Jonny Howson returned to Boro’s Championship line-up, and the summer signing from Carrow Road impressed as he made a series of important tackles and interceptions.

Howson’s Boro career has taken a little bit of time to take off, but while he was dropped to the bench after starting the opening five league matches, Saturday’s display was more reflective of the performances that earned him such a lofty reputation during spells at Leeds and Norwich.

The fact Monk could afford to leave the midfielder out of his side underlines the strength of his squad, and having made ten changes for the midweek Carabao Cup win at Aston Villa, the Boro boss was delighted with the response of the players that came back into the team at Fulham.

Boro’s organisation, work rate and discipline were clear to see, although Monk concedes there is still room for improvement when it comes to the more creative side of the game in possession.

“I’m very pleased with all the squad,” he said. “They’ve all shown that they’re ready when called upon. I just think that bit more belief in themselves, when they have the ball, is going to help us.

“The players can see that. There are certain periods when, we’re at that level, it’s going to be very hard for any team to stop us. It’s about putting that consistency with it, but that’s what we’re fighting for. That’s coming, and it’s very pleasing.”