Rovers hand a debut to deadline day signing Jordi Gomez as one of three changes from the side that knocked Oxford United out of the FA Cup seven days ago.
After being cup-tied last week, Danny Graham returns to the starting XI, whilst Hope Akpan has recovered from a knee knock to resume his place in midfield.
Elliott Bennett, Craig Conway and Simeon Jackson all drop to the bench.
Jordan Rhodes is named amongst the substitutes for Middlesbrough.
BORO: Konstantopoulos, Leadbitter, Nugent, De Laet, Gibson, Downing, Ayala, Adomah, Kike Sola, Nsue, Clayton.
Subs: Mejias (GK), Rhodes, Ramirez, De Sart, Stuani, Kalas, Forshaw.
ROVERS: Steele, Marshall, Ward, Hanley (c), Spurr, Evans, Lenihan, Akpan, J. Gomez, Watt, Graham.
Subs: Raya (GK), Kilgallon, Taylor, Duffy, Bennett, Conway, Jackson.