MIDDLESBROUGH loanee Aaron Connolly will make his full debut this afternoon after being handed his first start for the club for this afternoon’s game against Reading.

Connolly was the first signing made by Chris Wilder in the January transfer window. He is expected to partner Andraz Sporar up front.

Jonny Howson returns to the side for his first league game since the win over Blackpool on the 29th December. Neil Taylor is also named in the starting line-up having extended his contract at the club until the end of the season.

Folarin Balogun has been named among the substitutes bench for this afternoon’s game having completed his loan move from Arsenal earlier this week. Riley McGree has not been registered in time for this afternoon’s game.

Following news that Uche Ikpeazu has been transfer listed by the club, he has not been named in the matchday squad for the visit of the Royals.

BORO XI: Lumley; Fry, Dijksteel, McNair; Jones, Howson, Tavernier, Crooks, Taylor; Sporar, Connolly

Sub: Daniels, Payero, Peltier, Watmore, Bamba, Coburn, Balogun