Injured Bamford hopes to play for Middlesbrough

The on-loan Chelsea striker played almost the whole of last Friday night’s 2-1 win in London, though an ankle injury continued to hamper him and he was guilty of missing several half-chances.

The 21-year-old sustained the injury about a month ago and it has meant that he has had to miss training sessions to nurse the problem.

Head coach Aitor Karanka would preferably like to select his 19-goal marksman but may be forced into a rethink, with Kike the favoured replacement.

“I haven’t trained this week and last week, when we were away in Spain, I only trained twice,” Bamford told the FA.com

“I’ve been struggling with a tendon problem in my ankle so it’s touch and go at the minute and we’ll see.

“But I’m doing everything I can to be ready for Friday and I’d kick myself if I didn’t play and we missed out on getting through.

“I have to concentrate on these last few games and hope that Boro as a team go up and we can push into the Premier League.”

Bamford was the subject of reports yesterday that were claiming that his parent club, Chelsea, were about to table a five-year contract for the striker.

It is thought that the Nottingham Forest graduate wants assurances over his future role at Stamford Bridge before committing, sounding on repeated occasions that he wants to play for Jose Mourinho’s team as opposed to being a bit-part squad member.

Should he help Boro achieve promotion to the top-flight then it is suspected that he would consider a longer stay on Teesside, whether as another loan move or as a permanent acquisition.

“I want to play for them (Chelsea) and I’ve not given up on that yet,” he added.

“After this (play-offs), I’m concentrating on the Euros with England so I think by the time I’m back from the Euros I can sit down with Chelsea and see what’s happening.”