Aitor Karanka unsure of Patrick Bamford fitness

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has revealed that he is unsure whether striker Patrick Bamford will be fit to play in the second leg of his side's Championship playoff semi-final against Brentford.

The 21-year-old has been struggling with an ankle injury, but he played through the pain barrier at Griffin Park last week.

However, Karanka has disclosed that the forward has been unable to train all week and is considering his options because of the importance of the match.

When asked if Bamford would play this week, he told reporters: "I don't know. He's the same way he was last week. He couldn't train all week, so I have to think because it's a very important game.

"I have to put players that are 100% out on the pitch."

The North-East outfit take a 2-1 lead into the second leg at the Riverside Stadium tomorrow.