Middlesbrough v Birmingham City: New signing straight into action for Boro

Belgium midfielder Faris Haroun goes straight into the Middlesbrough squad for tomorrow’s encounter after signing a three-year deal on Thursday.

By The Newsroom

Published 20th Aug 2011, 07:00 BST

Defender Tony McMahon is available after serving a one-game ban but full-back Justin Hoyte remains a doubt after limping off with a recurrence of his thigh strain during the 3-1 win at Barnsley in midweek.

Merouane Zemmama and Kevin Thomson remain on the long-term casualty list with hip muscle and shin and ankle problems, respectively.

Keith Fahey, Morgaro Gomis and Scott Dann missed Birmingham’s Europa League play-off first leg against Nacional on Thursday night due to minor knocks, although midfielder Fahey was able to take his place on the bench.

They added to the attacking trio of Cameron Jerome (heel), Marlon King (knee) and Nikola Zigic (groin), who failed to even fly out to Madeira and are yet to feature this season. Jordon Mutch is out due to an ankle injury.