FIRST team coach Colin Cooper will take charge of the Boro team for Saturday's trip to Preston.

The former England international defender will be assisted by fellow coach Steve Agnew and goalkeeping coach Stephen Pears.

He steps into the gap left by the departure of manager Gareth Southgate, who was relieved of his duties after Tuesday night's win over Derby County.

Preston are currently sixth in the Coca-Cola Championship, one point behind fourth-placed Boro.

On loan defender Sean St Ledger is eligible to play against his parent club.

Cooper will be previewing the game here on mfc.co.uk and on Boro World later today.

No announcement has yet been made about Southgate's permanent replacement.

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