Viveash left with defensive issues

STAND-IN BOSS FACING UP TO BACK FOUR PROBLEMS

- By CRAIG JOHNS

ADI Viveash is hopeful that Middlesbrough will welcome a few injured players back to the squad for tonight's meeting with Coventry City though he admits that they may need to go with a bit of a makeshift defence due to fitness problems.

Viveash gave little away with regard to fitness updates on individuals. He did confirm that both Sverre Nypan and Sontje Hansen trained yesterday after missing out at the weekend, with their availability for the Coventry game only now dependent on them reacting well to that overnight.

David Strelec was the other attacking player absent from the draw at Oxford on Saturday, but it's fair to say that it's in defence that there are most concerns for Boro against Frank Lampard's free-scoring league leaders too.

Darragh Lenihan will definitely miss out, while Dael Fry and George Edmundson are still doubts after being absent against Oxford. Matt Targett added to Boro's problems when forced off at halftime with a calf problem.