MIDDLESBROUGH manager Chris Wilder has made some big decisions ahead of this afternoon’s Championship tie against Coventry City with Isaiah Jones, Ryan Giles and Riley McGree all dropping to the bench.

Their places in the side are taken by Tommy Smith, Marc Bola and Alex Mowatt as part of three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Rotherham United before the international break.

Chuba Akpom is fit enough for a place on the substitutes bench after returning to full training in the last fortnight but there is not place for Darragh Lenihan in the matchday squad.

Paddy McNair and Marcus Forss are also on the bench after recent stints away from the squad on international duty with Northern Ireland and Finland respectively.

Boro take on the bottom of the table Sky Blues side hoping to climb out of the relegation zone after just two wins from their opening ten games.

BORO XI: Steffen; Dijksteel, Fry, Clarke; Smith, Howson, Crooks, Mowatt, Bola; Watmore, Muniz

Subs: Roberts, Jones, Giles, McGree, McNair, Forss, Akpom

Coventry City XI: Wilson, Panzo, Doyle, McFadzean, Allen, Sheaf, Gyokeres, Dabo, Godden, Bidwell, Palmer

Subs: Moore, Rose, Waghorn, Walker, Kane, Eccles, Taveres