CHRIS WILDER has challenged Dael Fry to live up to the reputation he has established for himself at Middlesbrough, but warned the centre-half he cannot expect to be guaranteed a place in the starting line-up.

Fry has been sidelined since sustaining an injury in the closing stages of the 2-0 defeat at Hull at the start of October, but having completed a full week of training, the Teessider will return to the squad for tomorrow’s home game with Swansea City.

Wilder has admired the 24-year-old from afar over the course of the last half-decade, and like his predecessor, Neil Warnock, is confident Fry is capable of playing in the Premier League.

However, he is also adamant that the centre-half is starting from a clean slate, with his previous performances counting for little if he does not start replicating them over the next few weeks and months.

“I’ve known Dael, and have known all about Dael, for a long, long time,” said Wilder. “I’ve watched him in the division over the last four or five years and saw how he burst onto the scene. I’ve been so impressed with his qualities, and he’s a Middlesbrough-type of player as well – aggressive, but wants to play too.

“To have Dael back in the group is huge, although I’ve got to say the big man (Sol Bamba) is going to take some shifting at the moment because I think he’s been outstanding. Dael has a fight on his hands.

“He’s got all the qualities I want. Can Dael play at the top of this division? Without a shadow of a doubt. Can he play in the top division? Yes. But we’ll all think that. I’ll think I can manage in the top division – it’s up to the players to have that ambition and then prove it. It’s alright talking about it, you’ve then got to produce the goods and walk the walk.”

Martin Payero also returns to the squad tomorrow afternoon, having been sidelined for the last month, with Wilder admitting he is still learning about the Argentinian’s strengths and weaknesses.

Payero’s arrival from South America was heralded as a transfer coup, with the midfielder having spent the summer representing Argentina at the Olympics, but his opportunities under Warnock were limited, with the former Boro boss making little attempt to hide his concerns about the 23-year-old’s ability to adapt to the English game.

Wilder is likely to be more accommodating, although he admits Payero’s lack of English continues to make life difficult.

“I’ve only really worked with Martin for three days,” said the Boro boss. “That’s the only time I’ve had a chat. Obviously, it’s a difficult one for Martin, coming into a new country and not knowing the language, but I’ve got to say how good Leo (Percovich) has been with him.

“We’ve had two or three discussions with Martin about how we want to play and how we see him playing, but it’s up to him as well to get into the side. There’s no shoo-ins.

"Just because he comes with a tag and a reputation, I’ve got to say I think the current midfield three of (Jonny) Howson, (Matt) Crooks and Tav (Marcus Tavernier) have been outstanding. He’s a midfield player, so he’s got to fight his way in.”

Middlesbrough (probable, 3-5-2): Daniels; Dijksteel, Bamba, McNair; Jones, Crooks, Howson, Tavernier, Bola; Watmore, Sporar.