David Nugent back from ban for Boro
Middlesbrough striker David Nugent returns from suspension just in time to face Derby in a top-of-the-table Sky Bet Championship clash at the Riverside Stadium.
The former Leicester man missed the 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday that lifted Boro above the Rams and into first place - now he can contribute as the Teessiders look to pull four points clear.
Rhys Williams is fit again following a year out with a second ruptured Achilles tendon, but boss Aitor Karanka intends to send the Australian defender out on loan to get him fit for the promotion run-in.
Defenders Damia Abella (knee) and Alex Baptiste (leg) remain sidelined.
Derby boss Paul Clement is likely to recall Tom Ince, Chris Martin and George Thorne to his starting line-up.
The trio were left on the bench for the midweek clash at Leeds and Ince came on to hit late equaliser for the Rams.
Jason Shackell suffered an ankle injury against Leeds but Clement is confident he will be fit to face Boro, while goalkeeper Scott Carson (back) and midfielder Craig Bryson (knee) are nearing a return.
Midfielder Will Hughes (knee), Max Lowe (hamstring) and fellow defender Craig Forsyth (knee) remain long-term absentees
Source: PAR
