sport news

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock is unlikely to risk bringing Paddy McCarthy back for the home clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The defender has been given the all-clear to return to action following a shoulder injury but Warnock will give the Irishman another week to recover fully.

Jose Fonte and Claude Davis will continue in defence while Freddie Sears could start up front after impressing as a sub in the midweek draw at QPR.

Boro boss Gordon Strachan is set to hand a debut to on-loan Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne while Marcus Bent will be hoping for a full bow.

Bent came off the bench in the 1-0 loss to Plymouth following his move from Birmingham and will hope to partner Leroy Lita.

Andrew Taylor is pushing for a return from an ankle injury but Chris Riggott remains sidelined along with skipper Emmanuel Pogatetz, who fractured his cheekbone against Argyle.