Boro worry over skipper

Middlesbrough are sweating on the fitness of skipper Emanuel Pogatetz ahead of the Hull game after he picked up a shoulder injury.

A second half collision in the clash with Newcastle at the weekend as left the Austrian defender with a badly bruised shoulder and an early doubt for the trip to the KC stadium.

Pogatetz is receiving treatment on the injury but he is already thought to be a big doubt for the game with the Tigers at the weekend although he himself has not given up hope.

Coach Colin Cooper said: "Manny took a bang on his shoulder but he's a tough fella and he is quite positive about his chances.

"We have had it looked at and the great thing is there is no fracture.

"Manny is desperate to play and we are desperate for him to play. because he makes a difference for us.

"You miss any player of his quality, so we will keep our fingers crossed. But it was a very nasty bang."