Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough: Jordan Rhodes will be happy not to score if we win, says Aitor Karanka

Rhodes, who moved from Blackburn for £9m last month, was used from the bench for the third time in five matches in Saturday’s victory at Fulham, with David Nugent starting.

The 26-year-old hopes Karanka’s propensity to rotate his squad will afford him his chance tonight.

However, Karanka said: “A player is always desperate to play and he (Rhodes) is dreaming of scoring the winning goal. But he will be happy if he doesn’t score and we win. His dream is ours – to get promotion. Jordan is my player, he knows their weaknesses and a player like Jordan is always dangerous. Let’s see if he plays.”

Victory in Boro’s game in hand this evening would see them leapfrog Hull and Burnley by taking a two-point lead at the summit.

But despite these clubs appearing to be locked in a three-way battle for two automatic promotion places, with Brighton also well placed, Karanka is refusing to discount Sheffield Wednesday.

He added: “Sheffield can arrive as this league is crazy.

“Last season on fixture 34, Derby were at the top and they didn’t make the play-offs, so one thing I have learned in this league is to play every game just thinking about our game.”

Last six games: Blackburn DLWLLW, Middlesbrough LDDDWW

Referee: A Madley (West Yorkshire).

Last time: Blackburn 0 Middlesbrough 0; December 28, 2014; Championship.