GEORGE FRIEND misses Middlesbrough's home game with Ipswich Town after damaging his hamstring in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Burnley.

As expected, the full-back has been left out of Aitor Karanka's starting line-up, with Ritchie de Laet taking his place in the back four.

The change is the only alteration to the side that lined up at Turf Moor, with Gaston Ramirez having been passed fit despite picking up a calf injury four days ago.

Jordan Rhodes is selected up front, having scored three goals in his last two matches. David Nugent, who has scored 15 goals in his 14 career appearances against Ipswich, is named on the bench.

Ipswich are without the injured Daryl Murphy, who was heavily linked with a possible move to the Riverside last summer.

Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1): Konstantopoulos; Nsue, Gibson, Ayala, de Laet; Leadbitter, Clayton; Adomah, Ramirez, Downing; Rhodes.

Subs: Agazzi (gk), Nugent, Forshaw, Kalas, Stuani, Husband, de Sart.

Ipswich (4-5-1): Bialkowski; Chambers, Smith, Digby, Knudsen; Skuse, Hyam, Feeney, Bru, Sears; McGoldrick.

Subs: Gerken (gk), Foley, Bishop, Dozzell, Douglas, Pringle, Pitman.