Tony Mowbray had left it late to make a decision on Hoyte, who has been suffering with a thigh strain. Instead, the Boro boss has opted to give Tony McMahon an instant recall after serving a one-match suspension following his red card at Leeds eight days ago.
New signing Faris Haroun, as expected, will start on the bench after completing his move from Germinal Beerschot in midweek.
Birmingham City have fielded a strong team just three days after contesting a 0-0 draw at Nacional in the Europa League.
Adam Rooney is a lone striker, while Curtis Davies who Mowbray managed at West Bromwich Albion starts at the centre of defence. Liam Ridgewell has been left out by Birmingham manager Chris Hughton, who manages his first game in the North-East since his dismissal from Newcastle United in November last year.
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Ikeme; McMahon, McManus, Bates, Bennett; Williams, Robson, Arca, Bailey; Emnes, McDonald. Subs: Coyne (gk), Hines, Martin, Smallwood, Haroun.
BIRMINGHAM CITY (4-5-1): Myhill; Carr, Caldwell, Davies, Murphy; Burke, Spector, Beausejour, Fahey, Redmond; Rooney. Subs: Doyle (gk), Dann, Wood, Asante, Hubbins. ?
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo