DAVID WHEATER'S place in the Boro line-up has been filled by Seb Hines for the visit of Preston North End at the Riverside today.
Wheater's midweek transfer to Bolton Wanderers has seen Tony Mowbray launch a search for a replacement, but – for today, at least – youth product Hines will step into Wheater's shoes, partnering captain Matthew Bates in the heart of defence.
Justin Hoyte's injury at Bristol City sees Tony McMahon start at right-back, while Kris Boyd continues to partner the in-form Leroy Lita – who bagged a brace at Ashton Gate – in the absence of Scott McDonald who is on international duty.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Steele; McMahon, Bates, Hines, Bennett; O'Neil, Bailey, Robson, Taylor; Boyd, Lita. Subs: Ripley (gk), Miller, Arca, Grounds, Emnes, Smallwood, Park.
PRESTON NORTH END: Lonergan, Morgan, St Ledger, Hayes, Nicholson, Hume, Parry, Jones, Russell, Cort, McLaughlin. Subs: Arestidou (gk), Brown, Mayor, Barton, Ellington, Douglas, Carter.
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