ADEN Flint and Ryan Shotton have put themselves back into Tony Pulis’ thinking for Middlesbrough’s Championship date with Millwall on Saturday.

Flint has not played since damaging a hamstring on New Year’s Day while right-back Shotton suffered a recurrence of a knee problem before Christmas and has been working his way back to fitness.

The pair have been making promising strides ahead of a comeback, though, and Pulis has revealed that he could hand the defenders a place against Millwall if he felt it was absolutely necessary.

Pulis said: “Flint and Shotts came in and trained for the first time on Thursday, whether they will be fit we will have to see.

“But it gives us that strength in depth that you need at this level, fingers crossed that will be the back of all our injuries between now and the end of the season.”

Pulis didn’t report any progress on the transfer front but does expect Millwall to be a tough nut to crack at the Riverside this week.

He said: “Millwall are Millwall, they have a very good manager and assistant, steeped in tradition at Millwall. They are the right people to manage Millwall.

“The chairman has been very good for them. It is a surprise for them that they haven’t done as well as they can do this season, there’s a long way for them to improve. It would be no surprise to me if they go through the second half better.

“George Saville (signed from Millwall) has done better over the last few weeks, takes time to settle for some.

"George has taken a bit of time, he is a great kid. He has integrated more with the group, he feels at home and that helps. He trains the way he trains.”