Middlesbrough v Bristol City: Fredericks will be a threat admits Karanka

The former Tottenham Hotspur full-back was wanted by Boro earlier this summer, following a loan spell last term, but instead elected to move to the Robins for an undisclosed fee.

On Fredericks, who enjoyed a run in the side until March when he lost his place to Tomas Kalas and then Dean Whitehead, Karanka said: “I had a good relationship with him, he’s a good player and has a bright future.

“Bristol City can offer him things that I couldn’t offer for him, so it’s not a problem for me.

“With players (who leave), Lee Tomlin for example, I’m always wishing them all the best as they played with me and did their best for me.

“Ryan Fredericks thought that for him, it would be better to go to Bristol City. He’s not my opponent or my enemy, he’s also not my friend, but I wish him all the best as he’s a very good lad.

“He’s going to be dangerous as he plays in that position he likes, attacking and defending. It will be difficult to stop him, but nice to see him again.”

Jonathan Woodgate is fit and available for today’s game, with Karanka seeking to return to winning ways after a late Johnny Russell strike denied his side three points at Derby County on Tuesday night.

He said: “We can make mistakes, we made a mistake at the end of the (Derby) game and we have to learn from that.

“When you’re tired you need to concentrate more, it’s difficult but we have to do it. Derby’s goal was a mistake as we were tired, and we lost our concentration.

“We have to keep that concentration 150 per cent until 97 minutes because (matches in) this league is never finished.”