Preston manager Alan Irvine is looking forward to welcoming Sean St Ledger back to Deepdale when they host Middlesbrough.

The defender joined Boro on loan with a view to a permanent move in September after three seasons at Preston and Irvine is keen to see how his strikers fare against their former team-mate.

He told the club website: "I'm looking forward to seeing Sean. I'm sure he's looking forward to coming back. He's a really good player and a very good professional.

"I hope he doesn't play well but I hope he goes on and has a successful season and career.

"It's always an advantage to know your opponent but at the same time Sean knows the lads he's playing against so we'll see who comes out on top."

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough's caretaker-manager Colin Cooper will have experienced midfielder Julio Arca at his disposal.

The former Boro defender, asked to step into the gap left by Gareth Southgate when he was sacked on Tuesday night, welcomes the Argentinian back after he missed the 2-0 win over Derby through suspension.

Seb Hines also sat out the game against the Rams with a knee injury and remains doubtful.

But skipper Emanuel Pogatetz has been an unused substitute for the last two games following his recovery from knee surgery and will hope for some involvement at Deepdale.

Long-term absentees Chris Riggott and Andrew Taylor (both ankle), Caleb Folan (hamstring) and Matthew Bates (knee) remain sidelined.