John Powls: Adam Forshaw's signing means Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton can't take their places for granted

Securing the signing of promising midfielder Adam Forshaw this week was a fine example of invest when you’re on a roll for Boro.

The move has the hallmarks of the longer term about it, given Dean Whitehead’s age and contract position, but it also covers the immediate future with the injury to Rhys Williams and the return of Veljkovic to Spurs.

Most importantly, the quality of the new recruit strengthens the squad and provides Karanka cover for and a credible challenge to the two engine room incumbents.

Leadbelter and Clayts have been two of Boro’s best and most consistent this term but Forshaw will ensure that even they can’t take a place for granted.

If the ex-Brentford and Wigan man is as adept further forward as is claimed and can recover his best goal-getting form he may well provide a similar stimulus to Lee Tomlin to maintain his recently recovered best.

All great news for a squad who now need to up their level of league form consistency to that of the best of the top eight bunch with more wins - starting at Brentford tomorrow.

The impressive Bees aren't now the side that Boro trounced at The Riverside early in the season.

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They don’t do draws and have just as strong a home record as Boro but Ipswich showed the way, winning 4-2 at Griffin Park on Boxing Day.

McCarthy’s men countered the West London side’s well known fast start with their own break from the blocks, pressed home the advantage and had the game won well before Brentford struggled into their usual purposeful stride late on.

Warburton’s charges generally make the most of their tight pitch and are direct without reverting to the long ball.

They employ fast, one touch breaks from ball turnover with players aiming to pass forward at pace through the middle rather than retain possession or move the ball wide.

That has provided chances for top scorer Gray and for the likes of the clever Jota who backs up from midfield if the front man holds it up or lays it off.

So, Karanka won’t want the game to get too stretched or to allow too much space behind his centre-backs when out of possession and, as ever, the usual engine room two will be key.

But, going forward, Boro’s full backs might well get the space to raid upfield and Karanka may well opt to narrow his attacking four to get at the home side through their centre where they look to be most vulnerable.

Despite the encouraging Etihad display from Mejias, Dimi will be back between the sticks and I guess that Ken will replace the suspended Ayala alongside Big Ben aiming for a seamless slot in.

It seems that both Kalas and Fredericks are in contention to relieve stalwart stand in Dean Whitehead.

One will team up with Gorgeous in flanking the back line and the two in front of the back four will not be changed despite Forshaw's arrival.

Chris Vaughan/CameraSport

Middlesbrough's Kike, left, celebrates scoring for Boro at Man City

Kike may well lead the line with Tomlin in the No.10 role and have Bam-Bam and Adomah either side but tucked in.

Despite Vossen’s huge shift and decent work against Citeh and Reach’s recent assists, I expect both to be benched for this one.

I don’t see this group of players suckering themselves with either Citeh Cup complacency or Arsenal anticipation even if Special K wasn’t on their case.

The Championship is the absolute priority and it has to show tomorrow in The Reds’ performance and result.

C’mon Boro!!