TONY PULIS is hoping for good news on Daniel Ayala’s fitness front after the Middlesbrough defender had to be withdrawn with a groin problem during the 1-0 defeat to Brighton.

Boro were knocked out of the FA Cup courtesy of Glenn Murray’s fortuitous winner in the dying stages of the game, when George Friend’s attempted clearance bounced off the forward and flew into the net.

Middlesbrough had played reasonably well and not looked like conceding but they were unable to find the vital breakthrough themselves before the winner.

Adama Traore was Middlesbrough’s most likely scorer, but even his two best efforts were from distance and Brighton goalkeeper Tim Krul turned one of those on to the post in the first half.

A disappointed Middlesbrough boss Pulis, who has lost his three home games in charge 1-0, said: “It’s very similar to the last home game where we have created the chances, didn’t take those opportunities, and lady luck and has not been on our side.

“In the last few games there have been a lot of positives, there was today and can’t fault the commitment for the effort.

“At times we can get more crosses in to the box, people can be more positive. We have invested money in players to score goals so then you have to give ammunition to score goals.

“The squad is misplaced in the way it is balanced, we have to be lucky. Daniel Ayala has come off, if we lost another centre-half we would be in trouble. Having said that they have good spirit and they work hard. They are trying as a team.”

Middlesbrough face Sheffield Wednesday at the Riverside on Tuesday and Pulis is looking to bring in a loan signing or two, but has vowed not to spend any more money.