GARETH SOUTHGATE’S failure to land Sean St Ledger in time to face Ipswich means that young defender Seb Hines has been given an opportunity today.
Hines, a highly-rated centre-back, has been included at the heart of the Middlesbrough defence alongside David Wheater at the expense of Jonathan Grounds, who drops to the bench.
There is a return to the team for Gary O’Neil after double hernia surgery, with Mark Yeates asked to play a substitute’s role, while Brad Jones has been named on the bench.
Roy Keane has made five signings to the Ipswich team, with Grant Leadbitter and Carlos Edwards included to make their debuts following their £4m double move from Sunderland.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Coyne; McMahon, Wheater, Hines, Taylor; O’Neil, Arca, Williams, Johnson; Emnes, Lita. Subs: Jones (gk), Hoyte, Yeates, Aliadiere, Grounds, Bennett, Franks.
IPSWICH TOWN (4-4-2): Wright; Rosenior, Bruce, McAuley, Delaney; Edwards, Leadbitter, Peters, Colback, Walters; Counago. Subs: Lee Barrett (gk), Martin, Stead, Priskin, Quinn, Smith, Trotter.
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