Team news

McDonald may make Boro return Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald could return for the Coca-Cola Championship clash with Crystal Palace.

The Australia international has missed the last two matches with a hamstring injury but manager Gordon Strachan is hoping to have him back for either the Palace game or Monday's trip to Plymouth.

However, defender Emanuel Pogatetz, who sat out last weekend's 1-1 draw at Watford with a virus, is now struggling with a knee injury and will not be involved against the Londoners.

Loan signing Jay O'Shea, who was an unused substitute at Vicarage Road, could get his chance this weekend.

But Jeremie Aliadiere (broken toe), Willo Flood (knee), Seb Hines (ankle and medial ligament), Tony McMahon (stress fracture of the foot) and Matthew Bates (cruciate ligament) are all out.

Palace captain Shaun Derry will be fit for the trip.

The midfielder limped off after 20 minutes of Tuesday night's 3-1 win at Watford but had only suffered a dead leg.

Boss Paul Hart still has problems in defence with both his left-backs, Lee Hills and Clint Hill, suspended.

Hills was sent off in the closing stages at Vicarage Road and serves a one-game ban while Hill completes a two-match suspension.

Nathaniel Clyne is still out with a hip problem and fellow right-back Danny Butterfield has a hamstring injury, although he is not too far away and could fill in on the left.

Striker Alan Lee is also close to returning from the groin strain which has kept him out for the last two games.

Middlesbrough vs Crystal Palace

Last modified 14:59 20/04/10

Palace rally to make their point Crystal Palace remain in the Coca-Cola Championship relegation zone despite coming from a goal down to claim a point from a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough took the lead in controversial fashion in the 15th minute as Gary O'Neil raced clear before teeing up Scott McDonald, who had been in an offside position when the initial through-ball to O'Neil had been played.

The Eagles protested furiously at the decision to award the goal, but they drew level on the stroke of half-time as Alan Lee's cross was met by a powerful header from Alassane N'Diaye.

The home side came closest to grabbing a winner in the second-half but McDonald saw a late effort saved by Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni as Paul Hart's side held on for a point.

The draw kept Palace just a point adrift of safety, while Boro were left six points adrift of the play-off places after their fifth draw in six games.

Palace made a good start and almost went in front after four minutes when Lee got past David Wheater before firing in a shot which rebounded agonisingly off the post.

However the home side went in front when Palace tried to push up for offside but O'Neil played the ball into McDonald who made no mistake - much to the fury of the visitors.

The Eagles pressed for an equaliser and Darren Ambrose had a shot saved by Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones before N'Diaye fired over.

With half-time approaching Palace were back on level terms when Lee crossed for N'Diaye and he headed past Jones.

Middlesbrough came flying out the traps at the start of the second-half and Jonathan Franks' free-kick found Chris Killen but he glanced the header at Speroni.

That proved to be Killen's last meaningful act as he was replaced by Leroy Lita who was also off-target with a header.

The home side continued to push forward in search of the lead and Palace had Speroni to thank with 67 minutes gone when he did superbly to tip Barry Robson's 25-yard strike around the post.

Soon after Franks crossed for McDonald but he headed over from close range when he perhaps should have done better.

Palace were just about clinging on and Lita got into the left-hand side of the penalty area but he delayed his cutback too long and O'Neil was unable to make a meaningful connection.

Speroni is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premier League and he showed why with three minutes remaining.