Boro urged to keep up momentum

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka acknowledges that Monday night’s home Premier League clash with Hull is a real six-pointer.

And the Spaniard hopes that his men can maintain the form shown in recent weeks to pickup a precious win.

Boro go into the game a point above the Tigers, who are in third-bottom spot.

“It’s an important game as Hull and us share the same target – to be in the Premier League next season,” said Karanka.

“We are in December and it’s an important game. but we can’t drive ourselves crazy thinking it’s a final.

“We have to focus on the way we are performing as if we can play against really good teams and should have won, we have to keep playing in the same way at home.”

Hull are struggling with injuries, but Karanka does not believe that makes the game any easier for the Teessiders.

He said: “They have injuries but are in a good moment, in the semi-finals (of the EFL Cup) and one point below us.

“We know from last season it’ll be a difficult game. We have to avoid the risk of complacency thinking we’ve been playing well or that Hull have injuries.

“We have to think it’ll be a tough game and focus on us.”

Monday’s game will come too soon for left-back George Friend (knee), so Fabio continues.

Centre-back Dani Ayala is available Following an ankle injury.