Burton Albion v Middlesbrough: O'Neil back as Boro aim to avoid an upset

Middlesbrough, who have lost only one out of 22 FA Cup ties against lower league opposition, welcome back midfielder Gary O'Neil to the squad.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th Jan 2011, 23:43 BST

Updated 7th Jan 2011, 23:43 BST

O'Neil has missed the last two games through illness but is expected to be available for the game at the Pirelli Stadium, having returned to training.

Kevin Thomson, who missed Monday's 1-1 draw with Norwich after limping out of the New Year's Day fixture at Leeds with soreness in the leg he broke earlier in the season, remains a doubt.

Jonathan Franks was back on the bench against the Canaries following summer back surgery and, having impressed manager Tony Mowbray in training, will hope for further action.

Stephen McManus (ankle ligaments), Willo Flood (knee), Rhys Williams (pelvis) and Matt Kilgallon (back) are sidelined.

Burton midfielder Aaron Webster is a doubt. The midfielder was substituted just before half-time during the league defeat at Port Vale on Monday with a recurring calf problem.