MALCOLM CHRISTIE returns to action for Boro Reserves tonight, while new boy Ben Hutchinson is also in the squad to face Liverpool at Billingham.

The former Nuneaton and Derby striker, who is still only 26, has suffered a heartbreaking catalogue of injuries over the last two seasons.

After setting Boro off on the road to Carling Cup glory with the only goal against Brighton in 2004, he broke his leg in a freak training ground accident.

He was scheduled for a return to action early in the 2004/05 campaign but suffered a stress fracture to the same leg. He returned to the first-team action in February 2005, scoring in the 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth, a game in which Yakubu score the winner for Pompey.  

Sadly Christie's season came to an end just four days later when he suffered a stress fracture to his left foot during the 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at The Riverside and his rehabilitation was further interrupted when he broke his foot again in summer 2005.

Hutchinson,18, is included in the squad for the first time since joining Boro from Arnold Town on transfer deadline day after impressing on trial.

A prolific striker, Hutchinson has hit 15 goals for the Northern Counties East League Premier Division's U18s side, 12 goals for their reserves as well as seven first-team goals in just nine starts.

Tony McMahon also continues his return after a long-term shoulder injury whilst Brad Jones, Matthew Bates, David Wheater, Jason Kennedy and Adam Johnson, who have recently tasted first team action, are also involved.  

Meanwhile, Liverpool coaches Paco Herrera and Hughie McAuley have named a young side for tonight's game.

Boro squad: Jones, Knight, McMahon, Bates, Wheater, Grounds, Fisher, Liddle, Kennedy, A Johnson, Craddock, Christie, Clough, Burgess, Langthorne, Hutchinson.

Liverpool team: Martin, Barragan, Smith, Roque-Farrero, Antwi, Hobbs, Anderson, Peltier, Calliste, Guthrie, Hammill. Subs: O'Donnell, Willis, Foy, Lindfield, Flynn.

Kick-off at Central Avenue is 7pm and admission is free to season ticket holders.

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