The boys are back in town...

Arca, a fans' favourite at Sunderland, could make his second appearance for 'Boro at the SoL since switching clubs in 2006.

Justin Hoyte, who spent the 2005-06 season on loan with the Black Cats, will make his first appearance since leaving the North East.

Both players had eventful times at Sunderland, with Arca being both relegated and promoted with the club, and Hoyte, who's spell at Sunderland coincided with the miserable 15-point season, scored in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.

However, Arca, who played 45 minutes for Middlesbrough reserves in mid-week is not looking to rush back into action. "I'm happy to be back in the team," he said. "No matter if it's Sunderland, Chelsea or Manchester United.

"Obviously going back to Sunderland is always nice, but I just want to get fit and be able to play.
"I'd prefer to miss one or two more games and then play another 30 than miss another five or six just to play against Sunderland."

Justin Hoyte is expected to keep his place in the squad following Boro's 2-1 defeat against Portsmouth last weekend.

The former Arsenal full-back joined the Teesside club in the summer for £3million having found it hard to cement a first team place.

The former England Under-21 defender scored his only goal for the Black Cats in the 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle during a miserable season on Wearside.

But Hoyte has some fond memories of his first spell in the North East. "I really enjoyed it, despite the way it went. I always remember how faithful the fans were and how supportive they were.

"We were getting beat virtually every week, and they kept turning out to support us, it was fantastic.

"I remember the reception the fans gave me in our last home game against Fulham, which was obviously my last home game at Sunderland, and the way they applauded me off the pitch like we'd just won the league, that was special and I've always thanked them for that."