David Nugent has been given the nod ahead of top scorer Kike to start up front for Middlesbrough against MK Dons this afternoon.

The once-capped England striker is yet to score for Boro having joined the club from Leicester City in the summer.

Fernando Amorebieta could make his debut after being named on the bench, although there is no Albert Adomah, who handed in a transfer request last month.

The Dons are without Mark Randall, Darren Potter, Ben Reeves and Joe Walsh, who are all injured.

Middlesbrough: Konstantopoulos; Kalas, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Leadbitter, Clayton, Reach, Downing; Fabbrini, Nugent
Subs: Mejias, Amorebieta, Kike, Stephens, Stuani, Annie, Forshaw

MK Dons: Martin; Spence, McFadzean, Kay, Lewington; Poyet, Carruthers, Murphy, Bowditch, Powell; Gallagher
Subs: Burns, Hodson, Upson, Aguza, Hall, Baker, Church