Kei Kamara ruled out for four weeks

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has admitted that he is disappointed to lose striker Kei Kamara for four weeks through injury.

Kamara suffered a knee problem just before the break in Middlesbrough's 2-2 draw at Birmingham City last weekend, but Karanka is hopeful that he can replace the Senegalese forward.

The 40-year-old told BBC Tees: "He's a good player and good character for the team because Kei is always desperate to play. It's a blow.

"It means other players have a chance to play. We have a lot of good forwards here."

Kamara has scored four goals in 14 appearances since arriving at the Riverside Stadium in September.