The 20-year-old had just broken into Peter Taylor's Under-21 squad when he broke a leg playing in a reserve match last March.

Boro boss Steve McClaren believes the temporary switch provides Davies with a good opportunity.

McClaren told Middlesbrough's website: "Andrew has done well to come back from a bad injury but he is now at a stage where he will benefit from playing first-team games, which is something I can't guarantee him at present."

Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie is hoping to persuade Wayne Routledge to stay at Selhurst Park, despite the England Under-21 winger rejecting a new five-year contract.

"I want Wayne to stay," Dowie told the Crystal Palace website. "I still believe there is a lot of developing left in Wayne and I would like to see him do that developing here but he's made a decision. From now until the end of the season we have to try and change his mind."

Routledge made his debut for the Under-21s in the friendly against Spain in November after rising through the international ranks.

England Under-21 ace David Bentley is set to make an early return to Arsenal from his loan spell at Norwich after suffering a knee injury.

Bentley was due to spend the season at Carrow Road, but torn knee ligaments are expected to rule him out for two months and result in a premature end to his loan.

Norwich boss Nigel Worthington said: "It's a blow for David and us." (The Sun)

Bentley marked his England Under-21 debut last season with a stunning goal from the edge of the area.