Riggott returns to Boro

Middlesborough manager Gareth Southgate has decided to recall Chris Riggott from his loan spell at Stoke City.

The 27-year-old former Derby County star moved to the Britannia Stadium in March and has played in nine matches for Tony Pulis' promotion-hunting side.

However, Southgate was forced to move quickly after Robert Huth picked up an injury in training that means he is a doubt for the vital clash with Portsmouth.

Southgate knows that victory against Pompey is crucial if his side is to put an end to any lingering relegation fears.

He said: "We know there's a job to be done and we want to do that against Portsmouth.

"The possibility (of relegation) has been in my mind since September-October. Having started the way we did, there was always the chance we could find ourselves in this sort of situation.

"We had a little cushion which we've had to use in the last couple of weeks, but it's still all in our hands.

"What we've got to do is make sure our performance against Portsmouth is one that shows everybody how much it means to us to stay in this league.

"People at other clubs wouldn't be unduly surprised we're in this situation and nobody's going to help us except ourselves."