Ahead of Sunday's trip to The Riverside, let's take a look at Middlesbrough 'four in focus'.

Jason Steele
Steele is a goalkeeper who has progressed through the ranks at The Riverside. The 20-year-old stopper signed a new three-year deal last summer and has started two of Boro's three games this season, including his league debut at Leicester City last time out where he earnt some rave reviews. In the 2009 U19 European Championship Steele captained England in Ukraine and he performed with distinction throughout the tournament.

David Wheater
Redcar-born Wheater is another product of Boro's Academy setup. He was promoted to the first-team scene at the age of 17 for the 2004-05 season, after tasting success in the FA Youth Cup. The giant defender became a regular in 2007-08, which forced Jonathan Woodgate to move to Tottenham. Wheater has represented England throughout his youth and in 2008 he was an unused substitute against France and Trinidad & Tobago for the senior squad.

Barry Robson
Scotland international Robson started his professional career with Rangers, but failed to make the grade at Ibrox. He then went on to establish himself at Inverness CT and Dundee United where he made over 100 appearances at both clubs. In 2008, Gordon Strachan, then manager of Celtic, pounced to sign Robson for a seven figure fee and the midfielder was something of a favourite at Parkhead before linking up with Strachan again in the North-East.

Kris Boyd
A summer addition to Boro's Scottish legion, Boyd will be hoping to replicate his goalscoring exploits north of the border, after his prolific spells at both Kilmarnock and Rangers. After seeing out his contract at Ibrox, Boyd was linked with moves to Aston Villa and Birmingham, but Strachan, who has been on the receiving end of Boyd's excellence in front of goal during his days in the Celtic hotseat, moved quickest to secure the coveted signature.