SCOTT McDonald returns to the Middlesbrough starting line-up for the first time since January as the Teessiders look to get their play-off push back on track with a win over Cardiff City this afternoon.

The Australian, who has recovered from a knee ligament injury, was a substitute in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Brighton.

However, he returns to the starting XI in place of Marvin Emnes this afternoon as Tony Mowbray reverts to an attacking 4-4-2 formation for the visit of the Bluebirds.

In total, Mowbray has made three changes to last weekend's side with Kevin Thomson and Adam Hammill returning to strengthen the midfield.

The pair replace Richie Smallwood, who drops down to the bench, and Julio Arca, who has been omitted from the squad.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Steele; Hoyte, McManus, Hines, Bennett; Robson, Bailey, Thomson, Hammill; McDonald, Jutkiewicz.

Subs: McMahon, Smallwood, Martin, Emnes, Ogbeche.

CARDIFF (4-5-1): Marshall; Blake, Turner, Hudson, Taylor; Lawrence, Cowie, Gunnarsson, McPhail, Whittingham; Miller.

Subs: Heaton (gk), McNaughton, Earnshaw, Gestede, Mason.