Wheater's midweek transfer to Bolton Wanderers has seen Tony Mowbray launch a search for a replacement, but for today, at least youth product Hines will step into Wheater's shoes, partnering captain Matthew Bates in the heart of defence.
Justin Hoyte's injury at Bristol City sees Tony McMahon start at right-back, while Kris Boyd continues to partner the in-form Leroy Lita who bagged a brace at Ashton Gate in the absence of Scott McDonald who is on international duty.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Steele; McMahon, Bates, Hines, Bennett; O'Neil, Bailey, Robson, Taylor; Boyd, Lita. Subs: Ripley (gk), Miller, Arca, Grounds, Emnes, Smallwood, Park.
PRESTON NORTH END: Lonergan, Morgan, St Ledger, Hayes, Nicholson, Hume, Parry, Jones, Russell, Cort, McLaughlin. Subs: Arestidou (gk), Brown, Mayor, Barton, Ellington, Douglas, Carter.
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo