Manager Gordon Strachan could rekindle the striker's partnership with Leroy Lita which was so potent during their time at Reading.
Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz could start, wearing a protective face mask following a broken cheekbone.
Isaiah Osbourne, on loan from Aston Villa, will make his home debut while Didier Digard should return to the squad after proving his fitness. Marvin Emnes could miss out with a cold.
Boro sit in 10th place in the Championship after a run of just one win in their last five games and having taken only a point from the nine available since Gareth Southgate's departure.
