Boro confirm Aliadiere absence

Aliadiere: Injury blow

Middlesbrough have confirmed that French ace Jeremie Aliadiere is set for at least four weeks on the sidelines.

The former Arsenal striker limped out of Boro's defeat to West Ham amid fears of a hamstring pull.

Scans have now confirmed damage to tendons in Aliadiere's hamstring.

"The tests have confirmed that Jeremie has pulled a hamstring," a club spokesman told the Northern Echo.

"The damage means he'll be out of action for at least a month."

Aliadiere's injury is now likely to open the door to Turkish star Tuncay Sanli - who is reported to be unsettled with life in the North East.

The former Fenerbahce ace has failed to score since making his move to England in the summer, and has found himself on the substitutes' bench for much of the season.

Tuncay is likely to be handed a starting role alongside Mido for the Tees-Wear derby clash against Sunderland on Saturday - although with Gary O'Neil also hoping for his debut, manager Gareth Southgate has options available to him.