But Rav van den Berg has been left out of the squad all together.
Van den Berg’s transfer situation is understood to have not changed over the last 24 hours, but he’s been left out of the squad because of limited training in the last couple of weeks and because of obvious uncertainty surrounding his future.
FC Koln are interested in the 21-year-old and had a bid knocked back last week, but the Bundesliga club haven’t yet returned with an improved offer.
Meanwhile, Dael Fry will wear the captain’s armband.
Fellow Teessider Hackney was a substitute in the final friendly of the summer against Deportivo last week, which came just 24 hours after the midfielder had turned down a move to rivals Ipswich Town.
Boss Rob Edwards has been hugely impressed by the Teessider’s efforts on the training pitches this week, and has rewarded the 22-year-old with a start against the Swans.
Hackney partners Aidan Morris in midfield, with Morgan Whittaker and Delano Burgzorg supporting Tommy Conway.
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Brittain, meanwhile, goes straight into the side after completing his move from Blackburn Rovers on Monday.
He starts at right wing-back, with Sammy Silvera, who has caught the eye during pre-season, on the opposite side.
Fry is joined by Alfie Jones and Luke Ayling in central defence, with the latter getting the nod over Neto Borges, who is on the bench.
MIDDLESBROUGH: Brynn, Ayling, Fry, Jones; Brittain, Hackney, Morris, Silvera; Whittaker, Burgzorg, Conway
SUBS NOT USED: Glover, Barlaser, Gilbert, Forss, McCabe, Borges, Finch, McCormick, Kante
SWANSEA: Vigouroux; Key, Cabango (captain), Burgess, Tymon; Fulton, Galbraith, Franco; Ronald, Eom; Cullen.
Substitutes: Fisher, Widell, Vipotnik, Wales, Casey, Inoussa, Cooper, Parker, Congreve.
