Azaz was the subject of a failed bid from Southampton earlier this week, and while Rob Edwards stated his intention to name the Irishman in his squad at Norwich at his press conference on Thursday, it was anticipated that he would be on the bench.
Instead, Azaz is restored to the starting line-up for the first time this season as Boro look to maintain their 100 per cent league record against the Canaries.
Azaz replaces Abdoulaye Kante in the only change to the side that kicked off last weekend’s win at Millwall.
Azaz’s presence in the starting line-up means Hayden Hackney will drop back into a slightly more deep-lying midfield role alongside Aidan Morris.
Azaz will push on with Morgan Whittaker to provide support for central striker Tommy Conway.
New signing Sverre Nypan is named on the substitutes’ bench, having completed his loan move from Manchester City earlier this week.
NORWICH (3-4-2-1): Kovacevic; Medic, Darling, Cordoba; Stacey, Topic, Wright, Diallo; Crnac, Marcondes; Sargent.
Subs: Grimshaw, Fisher, Schlupp, Chrisene, Gibbs, McLean, Schwartau, Jurasek, Kvistgaarden.
MIDDLESBROUGH (3-4-2-1): Brynn; Ayling, Fry, Jones; Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Silvera; Whittaker, Azaz; Conway.
Subs: Glover, Barlaser, Burgzorg, Nypan, Edmundson, Hansen, McCabe, Borges, Kante.
