DANIEL AYALA has emerged as a major doubt for Middlesbrough’s Championship game at Brentford tomorrow.

Ayala is struggling with a groin injury, and has been unable to take part in a full training session so far this week.

The centre-half will travel to Griffin Park with the rest of the Boro squad, but faces a late fitness test before he will be able to take part in the game.

Boro boss Tony Pulis said: “We’ve got a bit of a problem with Dani Ayala. He’s got a little problem with his groin, and hasn’t been able to train this week.

“We’ll wait until the last moment to make a decision, and we’re hoping he’ll make it because he’s a very important player for us. Hopefully, he’ll be okay, but if he isn’t, we’ve got options for what we can do.”

Grant Leadbitter is available after serving a two-match suspension, and the Boro skipper has returned to full fitness after an injury issue of his own in the last couple of weeks. Patrick Bamford and Mo Besic has also shaken off the minor knocks sustained in last weekend’s win over Barnsley.

Bamford has scored eight goals in his last five games, having only managed one league goal in the whole of the rest of the season, and will head to Brentford as the most in-form forward in the Championship.

Pulis said: “Patrick scored and the whole weight of the world dropped off his shoulders. He’s gone from strength to strength.

“Confidence always plays a big part in a striker’s game, and the biggest injection of confidence is scoring goals. That’s what Patrick has done and long - may it continue.

“At the beginning, we were creating opportunities and the strikers weren’t taking them. Patrick was one of those strikers.

“Britt is still there though. We’ve had a chat with him this week, and he still has a massive part to play. He has to be focused and ready if the chance comes for him.”