Mustapha Carayol is set to play against Albion, days after leaving them.

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has dropped a broad hint Carayol will start Saturday's sell-out at the Riverside Stadium to assess his suitability for the play-offs.

The winger is back in the North-East after a loan spell with the Seagulls and has signed a contract extension.

Karanka said: "He played a few games for Brighton and everyday he feels a little bit better and I think and I hope he can have his chance against Brighton so I can check him thinking about the play-offs."

Carayol has not played for Boro since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage against Bournemouth in March 2014.

He made the last of his five appearances for Albion against Watford at the Amex last Saturday.

Boro striker Patrick Bamford is a major doubt due to ankle and muscle problems.