Daniel Ayala's header has given Middlesbrough a 1-0 lead at half time against Birmingham City at the Riverside Stadium.
The former Liverpool defender rose highest just after the half-hour mark to power an effort beyond Darren Randolph in the visitors' goal.
Ben Gibson was brought off after just two minutes after picking up an injury and he was replaced by on-loan Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo.
Boro were lively in the opening exchanges and Albert Adomah was causing the visitors some problems down the right, while debutant Kike was also in the thick of the action.
Kike combined well with fellow debutant Lee Tomlin on 21 minutes but the former couldn't supply the finish after shooting over when well placed.
