Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town: Strachan to unleash his new faces

"I am happier with the squad now," said Strachan. "The chairman and Keith (Lamb, chief executive) have done well to get players in reasonably quickly so we can be together for a fair amount of time."

Strachan has brought in Nicky Bailey, Kris Boyd, Andy Halliday, Tarmo Kink, Stephen McManus and Kevin Thomson – but midfielder Rhys Williams is undergoing rehab for a pelvic problem.

Mido, Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes will not be part of Strachan's squad and can leave the club, which is among the favourites for promotion.

Ipswich manager Roy Keane hands a debut to goalkeeper Marton Fulop, while fellow new signing Mark Kennedy is poised to start at left-back and there could be a first start for young midfielder Luke Hyam.