Although Middlesbrough have named a squad made up mostly of academy players and young professionals for their reserve season opener at Scunthorpe tonight, Iron second string coach Tony Daws has told the Scunthorpe Telegraph that he is still expecting a tough battle for his side.

"It's a tough one, not the sort of game you want to open with, but they'll have a wealth of talent on show because, for all intents and purposes, they are a Premier League club," Daws told the newspaper.

"They've also got one of the best academies in the country, so even if it's a team of young lads playing, it's not going to be easy."

United will name a side featuring players on the fringes of the first team, as well as a number of trainees, for the clash with Boro.

Kenny Milne, who has missed the last 13 months after two knee operations, is also expected to play the final 20 minutes of the match.

"Kenny is going to be in the squad, but he is not yet at a level where he is ready to start a game," added Daws.