AITOR KARANKA has made a decision on the futures of Jamal Blackman and Milos Veljkovic – but will not be revealing it until he has had a chance to have a detailed conversation with both players.

The duo are on loan until the start of the new year, and given their lack of first-team involvement at the Riverside it is unlikely that either will be retained in the second half of the season.

Blackman’s only senior involvement came in the Capital One Cup defeat to Liverpool, and Tomas Mejias’ return to full fitness means he has not even been making the substitutes’ bench in the last few games.

Veljkovic’s one senior outing in a Boro shirt saw him make a half-hour substitute appearance in the 5-1 win over Millwall, and Rhys Williams’ anticipated return in January should reduce the need for central midfield cover even further.

“I know what I am going to do, but I prefer to speak with them first,” said Karanka. “I am very pleased with both of them. They are both good lads and very good professionals and both of them have a very good future.”

Neither is expected to be involved in Saturday’s game at Ipswich, but Lee Tomlin is in contention for the trip to Portman Road after recovering from the knock that kept him out of last weekend’s win over Derby.

Jonathan Woodgate is also available after completing his recovery from a series of niggling concerns, but Karanka has warned the former England international not to expect to walk straight back into the first team.

“Jonathan is fit and training with the team, and he is happy,” he said. “But he knows and understands how difficult it will be to get back in the team because the team is playing really well.

“He is one more player though and he is supporting the team. He is the first one to understand his position and he’s important for us.”