Middlesbrough coach Colin Cooper says they had no choice but to sell Lee Cattermole to Wigan in the summer.

"Lee Cattermole is one of those players that Boro fans take to their heart," he said.

"Obviously they appreciate flair players here, but they also like to see local boys who wear their hearts on their sleeve.

"Cattermole is one of those players. Last summer he was offered the opportunity to play regular football at Wigan and that was something we couldn't guarantee him here.

"Steve Bruce has played him virtually every week and that's pleasing for him. We'll welcome him back with open arms but we'll also be working hard to try to ensure that he goes back to Wigan without anything to show from the game.

"It's a home game, we've been playing well over the last few games, and we want to try to take full advantage."