Middlesbrough midfielder Jonny Howson could be back to face Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the month, according to the Northern Echo.

The 31-year-old had a hernia operation during the international break, but he has confirmed that he is already back training outside as he steps up his recovery from the surgery:

“I’m not sure of the timetable but I’m outside now, I’ve started running a little bit and it feels really good. So hopefully I can kick on now and within a couple of weeks I like to think I’ll be back.”

There can be complications following a hernia operation but Howson has had no setbacks so far. He has yet to get involved in full contract training so he is still some way off from making his comeback.

He won’t take any part in the game against Cardiff on Saturday but the match versus Wednesday in 11 days time has been pencilled in as a possible return date.

Howson has been playing as a right-back this season and in his absence Anfernee Dijksteel has been performing well, having helped Boro keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 win against Reading last time out.