Patrick Bamford has been recalled to the Middlesbrough side that host Blackburn Rovers in the Championship this afternoon.

The on-loan Chelsea striker was dropped to the bench in the 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic last time out, but has seen his goalscoring exploits rewarded with a start by manager Aitor Karanka today.

Meanwhile, Kike and Emilio Nsue are forced to settle for a place on the bench for high-flying Boro.

Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer has named Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes up top, with Ben Marshall behind the two strikers in midfield.

Boro: Konstantopoulos; Omeruo, Ayala, Fredericks, Friend; Adomah, Leadbitter, Whitehead, Tomlin; Bamford, Vossen

Rovers: Eastwood; Baptiste, Hanley, Duffy, Olsson; Tunnicliffe, Evans, Williamson, Marshall; Gestede, Rhodes.