Albion have handed birthday boy Kazenga LuaLua a chance to shine on a dazzling afternoon back in the North East.

The former Newcastle winger, who turns 21 today, returns to the starting XI at cold but sunny Middlesbrough.

He makes his first start since the opening day of the season as one of three changes to the XI which kicked off against Nottingham Forest last week.

Romain Vincelot and Matt Sparrow both come into midfield.

Alan Navarro, Ashley Barnes and Billy Paynter are the men to miss out although the latter two have places on the bench.

Last week's matchwinner Will Buckley is also among the subs.

Boro look strong promotion contenders this season and grabbed a dramatic injury-time winner at Bristol City last Saturday.

However they will be keen to treat the Riverside faithful to a home win.

They have bagged full points in just three of their ten home games so far and lost 2-0 to West Ham last time out by the Tees.

Their Scottish attacking midfielder Barry Robson returns after a thigh strain and cultured central defender Rhys Williams has recovered from a twisted ankle.

Middlesbrough: Steele; McMahon, Bates, R.Williams, Bennett; Arca, Bailey, Robson, Zemmama; McDonald, Emnes. Subs: Hoyte, Thomson, Ogbeche, Martin, Haroun.

Albion: Ankergren; Jara Reyes, Greer, Dunk, Taricco; Bridcutt, Vincelot, Sparrow; LuaLua, Noone, Mackail-Smith. Subs: Brezovan, El-Abd, Barnes, Paynter, Buckley.

Referee: Mike Naylor (Sheffield).