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Schwarzer expected back for Pompey clash
MARK Schwarzer will be fit for Middlesbrough's relegation clash with Portsmouth this weekend, but Gareth Southgate has accepted that Robert Huth is unlikely to feature in either of the club's final two games of the season, writes SCOTT WILSON.
Schwarzer missed his second game in succession as Boro slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Sunderland last weekend, with a niggling back problem. With Ross Turnbull also nursing a back injury, Brad Jones was forced to deputise despite having only just recovered from a broken finger.
The Australian was rusty throughout, dropping a succession of crosses and getting caught in no-man's land as Daryl Murphy headed home Sunderland's late winner.
Southgate refused to criticise Jones in the wake of the defeat, claiming the 26-year-old would not have been rushed back had either of his two fellow goalkeepers been available, but the Boro boss will still be relieved by Schwarzer's likely return.
The experienced Australian is expected to take part in a full training session today and, provided there is no recurrence of his back complaint in the next three days, will be available to face Pompey at the Riverside.
His availability will represent a considerable boost to Middlesbrough's chances of claiming the three points they need to guarantee their Premier League status, but he is unlikely to be joined in the starting line-up by Huth.
The Germany international continues to nurse the long-standing foot injury that has plagued him throughout his Middlesbrough his career, and while he is expected to take part in some light training at the end of this week, the length of his current lay-off means his season is almost certainly at an end.
Huth's last first-team appearance came in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal on March 15, and with no reserve fixtures in which to improve his match fitness, he is extremely unlikely to be risked against either Portsmouth or Manchester City.
Middlesbrough reserves ended their season in the worst possible style last night, beaten 4-1 by Blackburn's second string at Ewood Park.
Rovers were in control for most of the game taking a four goal lead with Alan Judge the main architect. He scored the first from a retaken spot kick after Boro keeper Jason Steele had saved the first effort but was adjudged to have moved off his line. He then set up goals for Jamie Clark and Andy Haworth.
In the second half Keith Treacey scored direct from a free-kick before an own-goal salvaged some pride for a young Boro side.
Afonso Alves, Julio Arca and Fabio Rochemback will be signing club merchandise in the MFC Retail store in Captain Cook Square, Middlesbrough between 4-5pm on Thursday, May 1.
4:03am Tuesday 29th April 2008
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