Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis will decide whether Stewart Downing is fit enough to play against Reading tomorrow, after revealing the midfielder has picked up a knock in training.

Pulis was speaking to the media ahead of the Championship clash at the Riverside Stadium tomorrow at his press conference on Friday morning and revealed that the 34-year-old hurt himself in training on Thursday.

"Stewart hurt his knee in a challenge yesterday, but the rest should be alright," said Pulis, as quoted by the Teesside Gazette.

Downing has made 37 appearances for Boro in the Championship this season and has appeared off the bench in the last three matches.

The midfielder will be assessed by the club's medical staff later today, before Pulis will make a decision on whether he is fit enough to feature against the Royals.

Middlesbrough are currently seventh in the Championship table, level on points with sixth-placed Derby County, although the Rams and eighth-placed Bristol City both have a game in hand.

Pulis admitted that Boro must win both of their final two matches against Reading and Rotherham United, if they are to stand any chance of making the play-offs this season.

"It was a really disappointing performance (against Nottingham Forest), but we have two games left and two we have to win and that is the bottom line," he said.

The Verdict:

Downing has been an important player for Middlesbrough this season and could be a big miss for the team against Reading tomorrow.

Pulis is right that Boro have to win both of their final two matches if they are to stand any chance of making the top six this season.