Oldham v Middlesbrough: Boro are closing in on Foxes striker Nugent

AS Middlesbrough wait to hear if their pursuit of David Nugent has been successful, Aitor Karanka’s focus is on a repeat of last season’s first round victory at Boundary Park and a boost to his side’s ‘goals for’ column.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is chasing David NugentMiddlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is chasing David Nugent
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is chasing David Nugent

Then, Boro eased through to the next stage with a 3-0 win at Oldham and a repeat tonight would go down well as Karanka prepares to make changes from the side held at Preston on Sunday.

Academy pair Adam Jackson and Lewis Maloney could feature against the Latics after being left out of the Under-21s, while 17-year-old Dael Fry is again in the squad after impressing at Deepdale on debut.

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One familiar face Boro will be up against is Jonny Burn, the defender who recently left the Riverside to join Oldham on loan. He has been given permission to play.

Karanka wants Nugent to spearhead an attack that drew a blank at promoted Preston.

With North End manager Simon Grayson devising a plan to nullify Stewart Downing on his second debut, Boro struggled and Karanka knows his side needs more of a cutting edge.

Nugent would provide that. Last season, he netted just five times in 32 appearances but many of those were from the bench in the Premier League.

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In the Championship, Nugent, 30, has proved much more deadly with 22 goals as Leicester won the title in 2013-14. Previously, he had scored 16 in each of the two preceding campaigns.

Last six games: Oldham Athletic DDDLDD, Middlesbrough LDWWLD.

Referee: C Boyeson (East Yorkshire).

Last time: Oldham Athletic 0 Middlesbrough 3; August 12, 2014; League Cup.