Kilgallon's unlikely reunion with old employers

Kilgallon, 26, made only seven appearances for Sunderland after leaving the Blades in the January transfer window but will go straight into the Boro squad for Sunday's televised clash at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan originally wanted Kilgallon seven months ago but lost out to Sunderland in the battle for his signature.

Kilgallon was subsequently kept out of the Sunderland side by Anton Ferdinand and Michael Turner and dropped further down the queue this summer when manager Steve Bruce signed Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha, Wigan Athletic's Titus Bramble, and Ghanaian John Mensah on loan.

Strachan has landed the former Leeds United youngster at the second attempt to provide competition at both centre-back or left-back.

"Matt's been good in this division," said Strachan. "He would give us height, experience and enthusiasm and there's a hunger there. He can play left-back but left-centre-back's his favourite position. I've explained to him that we're probably looking at a certain position to start with and we'll see how it goes from there."

The Blades are still in talks with French right-back Jean Calve but left-back Stephen Jordan could make his debut against Middlesbrough.

New manager Gary Speed will also check the fitness of Nyron Nosworthy who has been unavailable since returning for a second loan spell from Sunderland.

Blades striker Ched Evans and Doncaster Rovers midfielder Brian Stock have been selected in John Toshack's Welsh squad for next month's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.