MALCOLM CHRISTIE is in line for a quick return to action with Middlesbrough at Leeds United tomorrow.

The former Derby County striker made a scoring debut against Sunderland on February 22, but he missed the 1-0 win over North-East rivals Newcastle United with a virus.

Club record buy Massimo Maccarone took Christie's place against the Magpies and manager Steve McClaren would have liked to have stuck with a winning side at Elland Road.

However, Michael Ricketts has not trained all week through illness and is rated doubtful for tomorrow's match.

That would pave the way for Christie to come in as a direct replacement for Ricketts, who has yet to score for Boro since making the move from Bolton Wanderers in January.

Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho has still not recovered from an ankle injury sustained against Newcastle and neither has knee victim Franck Queudrue - both have been receiving treatment all week.

Impressive midfielder Geremi, meanwhile, is not expected to make a decision on his future at Boro until the end of the season.

Boro boss McClaren has revealed he has started to explore the possibility of keeping the Cameroon international on Teesside full-time.

Geremi, on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the current campaign, has adapted to the pace of the Premiership quickly and is sure to have alerted other clubs over his availability.

But Boro are understood to have first refusal on the player, who saw a proposed £7.7m switch to Chelsea breakdown last summer.

McClaren said: "We're starting to make positive moves about the possibility of keeping Geremi at the club when his contract runs out in the summer. We want him to stay and I know the fans have taken to him."

However, Geremi indicated earlier this year: "I've not yet thought about next season; I'll think about it at the end of the season. We'll see what happens before then.

"I'm going to leave the whole situation until the season finishes, then we'll sit down and talk about it."

Boro's Arthuro Bernhardt has rejected the opportunity to play for Boston United, and instead has started a week-long trial with US Major League side Dallas Burn.

The 20-year-old Brazilian forward, who can also play at wing-back, is thought to be surplus to requirements at the Riverside and is being touted around different clubs.

Bernhardt scored twice in a reserve team win for Boston over Scarborough last month and Pilgrims general manager John Blackwell said: "We had been expecting him to come down and play again. However, we were told that he would not be coming and we understand he has gone to America and has not yet returned."

The 20-year-old joined in March 2000 but he has failed to breakthrough to the Boro first team.

Jason Gavin has joined Huddersfield Town on a month's loan. The 22-year-old has already been on trial at First Division promotion chasers Sheffield United.

Midfielder Mark Hudson has returned to Boro after his three month loan at Carlisle United ended.

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