Bamford not a shoo-in for Boro

The England under-21 international, who is on loan from Chelsea, has been struggling with a persistent ankle problem and was an unused substitute in last Friday's semi-final second-leg victory over Brentford.

Bamford returned to training on Saturday as Boro used Arsenal's facilities and he looks set to be fit to play.

However, Karanka has warned he may not throw his 19-goal striker, who was named Championship player of the year, straight into the side at Wembley.

"I hope he is fit because he was training," Karanka said.

"He's a little bit better and we have another day to see how he is and I hope he can play.

"But now I have to think because Kike took his chance (against Brentford), scoring a goal, Jelle Vossen scored against Brentford, so for me it is a bit of a headache, but I have two very good strikers so I will have to choose the right one.

"Physically, Patrick's fit to play because he trained on Saturday, so I think he will be better and then it's my decision.

"The only thing I have on my mind is the team.

"I said in my first meeting with the players that there is not a player who is above the team, the team is the only thing that matters.

"For example, when Patrick was injured, Jelle Vossen and Kike scored goals, so it will be my decision."

Karanka knows his side's impressive season will count for nothing if they lose to the Canaries on Monday and are condemned to a seventh campaign away from the Barclays Premier League.

With such a prize at stake, the Spaniard knows he will have to adjust his team-talk.

"The way to prepare is the same in terms of tactics or physicality, but you have to prepare in other ways, because it's a final," he said.

"The mental point of view is different because a final is always a different game.

"You're going to play for all of the season. Tactically and physically we're going to do the same as what we've done all season, but the psychology and other things has to be different."