Middlesbrough may be thwarted in attempting to recall goalkeeper Ross Turnbull from his loan at Cardiff City.

The Evening Gazette says Boro need permission from the Football League and international clearance to bring the 22-year-old back to the Riverside.

Boro have inquired about recalling Turnbull, because it looks certain that Brad Jones' thigh injury will keep him out of Sunday's Premier League trip to Manchester City.

But Football League rules state that players can not be recalled from year-long loans unless they are needed for first team duty - which isn't the situation in Turnbull's case.