Gaizka Mendieta is set to make a surprise appearance for Middlesbrough reserves tonight against Liverpool.

Mendieta, who once joined Lazio from Valencia for £28.9million, looked certain to leave the club during the summer transfer window, but remains on board despite manager Gareth Southgate's rebuilding exercise.

He is yet to figure in the first-team squad so far this season, but is included in an otherwise largely youthful party for the game.

Fellow midfielder Lee Cattermole is also likely to play some part as he looks for full match-fitness, while there is a place too for full-back Tony McMahon as he continues his comeback from a broken leg.