Smallwood keen to make amends

ROTHERHAM United midfielder Richie Smallwood is braced for a stern test when he returns to his former club Middlesbrough tonight.

Boro have surged back to form, dumping Manchester United out of the League Cup last week and following up with a comprehensive win over Charlton at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

They are fourth in the Championship while the Millers slipped to the bottom after Saturday's limp 3-0 defeat at Derby, ther third loss in four under new boss Neil Redfearn.

Smallwood said: "That was a tough game against a very good team and I'm sure Derby will be up there at the end of the season. We had a little go in the second half but overall it wasn't good enough and we've got to bounce back now.

"Any away game is hard in this league, especially Middlesbrough because they're flying again. They're a strong side and we've got to be ready.

"We need to stick together, which we will do, and try and put it right."

Loan man Farrend Rawson returns to the squad after sitting out Saturday's match against his parent club while striker Matt Derbyshire (ankle) and midfielder Lee Frecklington (calf) are pressing for returns.

Kick-off is 7.45pm.