Republic of Ireland striker Caleb Folan has joined Middlesbrough on a three-month loan from Hull with a view to a permanent move. The forward’s loan spell begins on Saturday meaning Folan will be available for the crucial game against leaders West Brom.

A win could see Boro go top of the English Championship.

The 26-year-old became Hull’s first £1million pound player when he joined from Wigan in August 2007 and played a role in the Tigers’ rise to the Premier League, scoring nine league goals.

However, he has yet to score this season and joins fellow Irish international Sean St Ledger after the defender arrived from Preston.