The manager had also said this week that he hoped to have supporters' player of the year Gary O'Neil to call on today but the midfielder is not included in the squad facing the Sky Blues.
Lee Miller has a chance to impress alongside Scott McDonald while Barry Robson has been named captain. Rhys Williams stars despite continuing to suffer from a pelvic injury.
Martin Cranie has passed a late fitness test and starts for Coventry.
MIDLESBROUGH:(4-4-2)Jones;Hoyte,Riggott,McManus,Bennett;Aliadiere,Robson, R Williams,L Williams;Miller,McDonald. Subs: Coyne(gk),Lita,Killen,Arca,Grounds,Franks,Naughton
COVENTRY CITY (4-4-2):Westwood;Wright,Clingan,Bell,Cranie;Barnett,Wood,Gunnarsson,McIndoe;Morrison,Eastwod. Subs:Konstanstanopolulos (gk),Hall,Hussey,Baker,Grandison,Clarke,Jeffers
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo