[kennethlindheim]

Middlesbrough will make a late decision on Jonathan Woodgate for the FA Cup tie at Hull City.

Woodgate suffered a bruised knee in the New Year's Day win over Sheffield United and came off in the first half of the 3-1 success.

Gareth Southgate has confirmed it is not a serious injury, but he will not be taking any risks with the on-loan centre-half's fitness.

If Southgate opts to leave Woodgate out of his team, then he has several options to consider as a replacement.

Abel Xavier moved into the centre against The Blades, but Andrew Davies (ankle) and Chris Riggott (hamstring) could be fit to return.

Fellow stoppers Robert Huth, Matthew Bates and Tony McMahon remain sidelined, so Southgate is unlikely to make any other changes at the back.

Further forward Southgate must decide whether to keep the in-form partnership of Mark Viduka and Yakubu Aiyegbeni together, or preserve their fitness for the Premiership relegation battle.

Massimo Maccarone is definitely missing for the trip to The KC Stadium as Boro look for a first away win of the season.

Phil Brown will hope to celebrate his appointment as permanent manager of Hull by springing a cup upset.

The Championship club, though, are likely to be without first-choice keeper Boaz Myhill, who has a groin injury. Matt Duke is his likely replacement.

Damien Delaney and Dean Marney are suspended, but Ian Ashbee is due to start after recovering from a swollen knee.

Nick Barmby comes up against his former club and he showed his current well-being with both goals in Hull's 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday on New Year's Day.

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