Dave Kitson is due to return to Stoke City on December 28 when his loan spell ends. But Leroy Lita says they are a partnership that could take Boro to promotion.

Gordon Strachan will talk to Stoke boss Tony Pulis over the prospect of completing an extension for the rest of the season.

Lita: “Any team in this league would benefit from a player like Dave Kitson in their ranks. It's up to him and the club, but I'd love to have him here for the rest of the season.

“I've always respected Dave as one of the best strikers I've played with. He's a very good player to play with, takes a lot of balls on, always looks for me and always looks to link up.”