John Obi Mikel unlikely to feature in Newport cup tie

Posted Thursday, January 24, 2019 by PA

It looks unlikely John Obi Mikel will be making his Middlesbrough debut in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Newport.

Boro announced on Thursday morning that they had signed the former Chelsea midfielder on a short-term deal, but were waiting for international clearance.

And the 31-year-old Nigerian arrives at the Championship outfit having not played a match since leaving Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA in November.

Ryan Shotton could make his return to action after missing the last six games in all competitions due to a knee problem.

Newport defender Fraser Franks has been ruled out again having missed last weekend’s 1-0 League Two win over Exeter with an injured ankle.

Manager Mike Flynn has said Andrew Crofts, out for the last four matches because of a hamstring injury, is “not one I’m thinking of starting.”

And it remains to be seen if there will be involvement for former Boro youth player Matty Dolan, who has had a hamstring issue of his own. Flynn says he wants Dolan “to get fully fit or as close to 100 per cent as he can be.”

The tie at the Riverside sees Newport, who beat Leicester in round three, face one of their former players in Boro boss Tony Pulis.