MIDDLESBROUGH midfielder Kevin Thomson has edged closer to a first-team return after completing 70 minutes for the reserves in a 3-1 win over Blackpool yesterday.

Thomson is yet to feature this season after rupturing ankle ligaments when he stumbled off a treadmill in June.

The injury was a huge blow for the Scottish international who has endured an injury-plagued time since he arrived at the Riverside from Scottish giants Rangers a year ago.

Thomson spent several months of last season on the sidelines after suffering a hairline fracture in his leg, before undergoing surgery on both his ankle and leg in the summer.

Yesterday was Thomson's second outing for the reserves after he came through 45 minutes of action in a 6-3 win over Scunthorpe last Tuesday.

The midfielder appears to have come through both games showing no ill effects and he will now step up his fitness in a bid to put himself in the frame for the first-team.

Last season the 26-year-old impressed Boro boss Tony Mowbray, who he played under at Hibernian, but when he returns to full fitness the midfielder may have to be patient in his quest for a first-team place.

Saturday's 2-0 win at Burnley stretched Middlesbrough's unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 games - their fifth league win on the road this season - and with things going so well Mowbray will be reluctant to change personnel.

Rhys Williams and Nicky Bailey, in particular, have formed an excellent partnership in central midfield - the latter scoring his first goal for the club at Turf Moor.

Williams, who spent the majority of last season on the sidelines, has put in a string of impressive performances since returning, meaning Thomson could be made to wait when he finally regains full fitness.

Luke Williams scored twice in Boro's 3-1 win over Blackpool in a friendly arranged by coach Steve Agnew.

Bruno Pilatos grabbed Boro's other goal at Bloomfield Road with Agnew's reserves back in league action in the first week of October when they face Gateshead.