MATT CROOKS is a doubt for Middlesbrough’s Boxing Day game with Wigan Athletic after missing today’s 3-1 defeat at Burnley because of a knock sustained in training last week.

Crooks was Boro’s super-sub in last weekend’s dramatic win over Luton Town, but did not feature in the matchday squad at Turf Moor.

He will be assessed in the next few days, with head coach Michael Carrick saying it is too early to make a call on his likely availability for Boro’s Boxing Day game.

Carrick said: “Matt’s just got a knock. He picked it up on Thursday, so we’ll have to see how he is going into the Boxing Day game.”