Ross Turnbull has returned to Middlesbrough

Turnbull, 22, was at the Bluebirds on a season-long loan, but is wanted back at the Riverside to cover for number two Brad Jones who has strained a thigh.

That left Boro desperately short of options for Mark Schwarzer with only 17-year-old Jason Steele as cover.

Turnbull was out of favour with City boss Dave Jones and had lost his place in the Cardiff team to Michael Oakes.