Ipswich Town v Middlesbrough: Unlucky Thomson keen to get back in the frame

The 26-year-old midfielder arrived from Rangers for £2m but has not featured since New Year’s Day when he suffered a fractured fibula against Leeds United.

Manager Tony Mowbray said he hoped Thomson would play a part in a match that could see his side extend their unbeaten run to six matches.

Mowbray said: “Kevin will travel and we’re going to try to get him involved at some stage.

“He’s got lots of talent, he’s very assured with the ball and we’re looking forward to getting him fully fit.

“We’d like to get him up to speed and get everybody coming back for the start of next season raring to go from the off.”

Boro moved up to 17th in the Championship after Saturday’s 2-1 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, and are now 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

A win for Mowbray’s side would close the gap on 13th-placed Ipswich to four points.

Ipswich manager Paul Jewell could make a number of changes to the side that beat strugglers Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Jewell, the former Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday manager, said: “I will be seriously considering changing the team, as I do every game.

“Just because you have won, it doesn’t mean to say that automatically the team picks itself for the next game.

“I’m not one for making changes for the sake of it, but if something needs to be changed, then I will do.”

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