Middlesbrough v Norwich City: Howson set for reunion as Boro look to build

Middlesbrough's Jonny Howson pictured after scoring for Norwich City (Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire).

The game sees Norwich duo Yanic Wildschut and James Husband make their return to their former club, while Middlesbrough midfielder Jonny Howson lines up against his former employers for the first time since his £5m summer move.

Fondly remembered by Canaries fans following a distinguished spell in Norfolk, Howson – who produced his best performance of the season so far for Boro in their 1-1 weekend draw at Fulham – is focusing on business and not sentiment this evening as he aims to back up Saturday’s positive display for Garry Monk’s side.

Howson said: “It was a good point and, with two home games coming, we have to follow it up.

“We played well in patches and in others it could have been better. But, on the other hand, we showed great character to respond in the way we did.

“With that character and the quality we have in the squad, there is a positive outlook ahead.”

Boro, who welcome Adam Traore back into the fold after a three-match ban, have not quite been firing on all cylinders on their second-tier return.

But Monk is confident that there is plenty more to come and after a coming-of-age moment in his tenure at former club Leeds United last autumn against the Canaries, he will be eyeing another catalyst this evening.

Last six games: Middlesbrough DWDWWD Norwich LWDWWD

Referee: J Simpson (Lancashire).

Last time: Middlesbrough 4 Norwich 0, November 4, 2014; Championship.