Chelsea loanee will be a threat says Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate ahead of Luton Town clash

The Hatters sit 23rd in the Championship and are seven points from safety ahead of the match, but did move off the foot of the table with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday this week.

When asked about Graeme Jones’ side, Woodgate said: “Every game is an opportunity but the Championship is always difficult when you think you are going to win games.

“We will be going to try and win the game, they had a good result against Sheffield Wednesday in mid-week and they play some good football.

The Boro boss has also been impressed with Luton forward Izzy Brown, a player who is on loan from Chelsea and has racked up six assists in the Championship this season.

"They are a good team and with the budget that they've got it was always going to be difficult for them,” added Woodgate.

“They have got some really good players, Izzy Brown on loan from Chelsea is a really, really good player in that area of the pitch of pitch. Like I say, it will be a really difficult game."

Boro defenders George Friend and Ryan Shotton will be available for the match after lengthy injuries, while Daniel Ayala and Anfernee Dijksteel are making progress.

“George is back, Shotton is back,” added Woodgate. “Dani Ayala will be another three or four weeks. Dijksteel should be back next week hopefully. Hopefully we can organise a few friendly games for him.”