Boro chase leadership

Middlesbrough could go clear at the top of the table if they can come away with a positive result from Nottingham Forest this evening.

Only Cardiff City currently keep the Teessiders away from the outright leadership, and that on goal-difference. The Welsh side are at Charlton Athletic later tonight - where Boro in the end won convincingly at the weekend.

On loan striker Ishmael Miller definitely won't be involved for the visitors against his parent club due to an original agreement between the clubs. The 25-year-old has in any case recently been struggling with a sore hamstring.

Fellow forward Marvin Emnes is also definitely out due to a similar condition while defender Seb Hines and midfielder Kevin Thomson require further checks.

Elsewhere, Mustapha Carayol, Curtis Main and Rhys Williams remain sidelined for visitors who have won their last six games.

Forest's Radoslaw Majewski faces an extended spell on the sidelines after damaging ankle ligaments during the weekend home defeat to Millwall.

On loan midfielder Jermaine Jenas is doubtful with the same problem while defender Daniel Ayala (hamstring) is already a confirmed absentee. But Greg Halford returns having served suspension.

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