TONY PULIS is hoping striker Rudy Gestede proves his fitness this morning before Middlesbrough head to Wales for tomorrow’s Championship fixture at Cardiff City.

The two promotion contenders will go head-to-head at the Cardiff City Stadium and Pulis would love to have the big front-man as an option to face the powerful Bluebirds defence.

Gestede has struggled with a back problem since last weekend and has not trained for a “couple of days” and he will be assessed today before a decision is made.

Top scorer Britt Assombalonga is out of form and a contender to lead the line anyway, while Patrick Bamford is the only other option to start up top.

Middlesbrough finally ended their three-match run without scoring at home under Pulis in the league when they beat Reading 2-1 last Saturday – but, regardless of who starts, he is adamant the trip to Cardiff represents a different challenge.

Pulis said: “Every game is different, we are playing Cardiff who are a good side. Look at the table, they are a consistent side, they have an identity and it will be tough.

“If we are creating chances, we will score goals. We could have scored five or six on Saturday, we scored two and that was enough, but the great thing is this team is producing decent football and producing opportunities.”

Everyone is else is fit and available so it will be just a case of whether he thinks recent signings Mo Besic, Jack Harrison or Martin Cranie are ready to slot in.

Welshman Pulis is returning to his homeland intent on delivering a result that will strengthen Boro’s position, knowing they are ninth and sit ten points behind fourth-placed Cardiff.

He said: “The owners at Cardiff have backed Neil Warnock there, he has had decent money to spend, had a very good window to get the players they needed.

“It’s going back home for me really, south Wales so I like to see them all doing well. I will be doubly determined to win the game though.

“My job is to do my best for this club, while I am employed here that will be my main objective. I have got a couple of people coming through as well so hoping to do well.

“We have a lot of Middlesbrough fans going too. There is no question, they have been first class since I arrived. The away support has been fabulous.

“I would like to thank them, it costs money to go way and support them. The Boro fans have been fantastic, every ground I have been to they have been first class.”