Middlesbrough vs Birmingham - No new fitness fears for Karanka at Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka has no new selection problems as he prepares for Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Birmingham.

Boro emerged from last Friday night's 2-0 victory at Ipswich - their first in the league at Portman Road since 1993 - unscathed and head into the weekend in second place in the table, just two points adrift of leaders Brighton.

Defender Rhys Williams, who has not played since January, is back in training after a long-standing Achilles injury but is still some way away from being available for the first team.

Meanwhile, defenders Damia Abella (knee) and Alex Baptiste (leg fracture) continue to work their way back towards full fitness.

Clayton Donaldson continues to miss out for Birmingham as he recovers from a groin injury.

The striker has targeted a return to the team against Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day following the problem he suffered on international duty with Jamaica last month.

David Cotterill remains troubled by a knee problem but is closing in on a return for Gary Rowett's side.

Koby Arthur is also close to a comeback after pulling his quad earlier in the season with the wideman having not featured not for Blues since August.