PADDY McNAIR returns to Middlesbrough's starting line-up for this evening's Championship game at Nottingham Forest.

McNair replaces the injured Britt Assombalonga in the only change to the side that started Saturday's home win over Charlton Athletic.

Jonathan Woodgate has opted not to change his back five, which means Djed Spence and Hayden Coulson continuing in the wing-back berths.

McNair will play alongside Adam Clayton and George Saville in midfield, with Marcus Tavernier pushing forward to play off the shoulder of lone striker Ashley Fletcher.

NOTTS FOREST (4-4-2): Samba; Cash, Dawson, Worrall, Robinson; Silva, Watson, Lolley, Yates; Ameobi, Grabban.

Subs: Muric (gk), Figueiredo, Carvalho, Semedo, Mir, Rodriguez, Adomah.

MIDDLESBROUGH (5-3-1-1): Pears; Spence, Howson, Ayala, Fry, Coulson; McNair, Clayton, Saville; Tavernier; Fletcher.

Subs: Mejias (gk), Wood, Bola, Liddle, Johnson, Walker, O'Neill.