Middlesbrough have a visit from Premier League Hull City in the FA Cup third round this weekend.
Head coach Aitor Karanka has to make at least a couple of changes with on loan duo Shay Given and Daniel Ayala both ineligible. However, Karanka still hopes to extend fellow countryman Ayala’s stay from Norwich City.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jason Steele [ankle] and striker Kei Kamara [medial ligament] remain sidelined, with a third shot-stopper, Jayson Leutwiler (ankle), and Andy Halliday (hernia op) needing late checks.
Boro have though welcomed goalkeeper Connor Ripley and winger Adam Reach back to Rockliffe Park after respective loans at Shrewsbury Town and Bradford City.
The Tigers are unable to call upon Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jake Livermore but Stephen Quinn has overcome a recent hamstring problem.
Otherwise, Tom Huddlestone, Curtis Davies and goalkeeper Allan McGregor were expected to be rested.
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