Middlesbrough v Bolton: Carayol’s service available to Boro

Middlesbrough's Mustapha Carayol (Picture: Steve Ellis).

The former Bristol Rovers player suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury last season and has been out for almost a year, but will take his place on the bench tonight at Bolton.

Boro head coach Aitor Karanka said: “I think he could have his opportunity. He will be on the bench. He has been playing in the Under-21s, his games are getting better and now this is the next step.

“It’s great news for everyone when you get a player back from a long-term injury.”

Dimi Konstantopoulos is expected to return in goal after completing a one-match ban with the Greek goalkeeper set to replace Tomas Mejias, who made a mistake which led to Leeds’s winner on Saturday.

Jelle Vossen is sidelined with concussion and he will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday, where Boro will be backed by 4,500 fans.

The loss against bogey side Leeds was Boro’s first reverse at the Riverside since August 30 with Karanka grateful for the opportunity to hit back and get back on the winning trail at the earliest possible juncture.

He said: “It’s the best thing that we’ve got another game because this team always has a very good reaction after a defeat.

“We work very well after a setback and I think the best thing is we are at home (tonight).”

Last six: Middlesbrough WWWLDL, Bolton DLLWLL.

Referee: A Madley (West Yorkshire).

Last time: Middlesbrough 1 Bolton 0; November 30, 2013; Championship.