Middlesbrough vs Bristol City preview - No new worries for Boro

Posted Friday, August 21, 2015 by PA

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka will have only his long-term casualties missing when Bristol City head for the Riverside Stadium.

Central defender Ben Gibson made his first appearance of the season in Tuesday night's 1-1 Sky Bet Championship draw at Derby after overcoming a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season and he has suffered no reaction to his exertions.

Latest signing David Nugent, who made his debut as a substitute in last weekend's 3-0 victory over Bolton, did not make it off the bench at the iPro Stadium and will hope for further involvement as Boro attempt to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Defender Jonathan Woodgate is fit and available for selection, leaving only Alex Baptiste, Damia Abella and Rhys Williams in the treatment room.

City striker Kieran Agard could make his first start of the season after a goalscoring cameo appearance in midweek.

Agard is on his way back after summer surgery and his 89th-minute strike against Leeds after arriving as a substitute helped City go on and rescue a point in a 2-2 draw.

Midfielder Luke Freeman serves the second game of a three-match ban and goalkeeper Frank Fielding (shoulder) is absent again.

Full-back Mark Little has rejoined the Robins' first-team squad after a shoulder injury.