Mad Dog wants to take on Davies again

The Austrian international pulled out of his country’s friendly with Turkey last night, but is hopeful he will shrug off a knee injury to lock horns once again with his equally uncompromising Wanderers counterpart.

The pair have enjoyed some memorable tussles down the years.

Few present at Boro’s thrilling 4-3 victory at the Riverside two seasons ago will forget the picture of the bloodied defender being dragged away by his team-mates after he was caught by Davies’ stray elbow.

But it is all part of the fun for the player dubbed ‘Mad Dog’ who has helped his side take an impressive four points from their last two away games against Aston Villa and Everton.

“Bolton has been an eventful game for me,” said Pogatetz. “In the past we’ve come back from behind.

“But with Davies playing up front it’s always a tough challenge, very physical.

“It’s a very important time to pick up points. We’ve done well in our away performances over recent weeks but we have to make it count at home.

Gareth Southgate could be left without both of his first-choice centre halves, with skipper Chris Riggott also struggling to overcome a hamstring strain.

The injury-plagued defender limped off during his side’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park and has undergone scans to determine the extent of the damage.

Wanderers remained unbeaten in their two games against Boro last season, claiming a vital victory in April to help put Premier League survival back in their own hands.

Gavin McCann’s goal was enough to earn the Whites’ first back-to-back wins in over 12 months and Pogatetz is wary of Wanderers’ threat.

“We have to respect Bolton,” the defender said.

“They are on a good run, I saw the Liverpool game last Saturday and they played some good football and were a bit unlucky not to get anything. Bolton will play in a similar way to Everton with a lot of long balls.

“And playing at our stadium we expect to have more of the ball and will be hoping for three points.”