Middlesbrough are able to name defensive duo Seb Hines and George Friend in their starting XI for this afternoon's match against Watford after the pair passed late fitness tests.

Hines and Friend were both suffering from hamstring problems but are fit enough to start against the Hornets in a clash between playoff contenders.

Watford boss Gianfranco Zola welcomes back Manuel Almunia from injury, while Nyron Nosworthy and Almen Abdi also return to the starting lineup.

Boro: Steele, Bailey, Friend, Hines, Williams, McEachran, Haroun, Leadbitter, Ledesma, Jutkiewicz, McDonald

Watford: Almunia, Doyley, Nosworthy, Ekstrand, Cassetti, Abdi, Chalobah, Battocchio, Pudil, Deeney, Vydra