Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick Surprised by Ben Doak’s Rapid Ascent

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has acknowledged his surprise regarding the swift ascent of teenage Liverpool loanee Ben Doak, who recently distinguished himself for Scotland against Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol, contributing to John McGinn’s decisive late goal at Hampden Park. Doak, a winger who celebrated his 19th birthday this month, arrived at Boro on a season-long loan in August and subsequently made his initial start and netted his inaugural professional goal against Stoke on 28 September. Since that time, the former Celtic player has commenced seven matches, providing three assists in his last two club appearances and also setting up goals in Scotland’s crucial victories against Croatia and Poland during the previous week. Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, Carrick stated: “It’s everything you want. In terms of the level (he’s reached), it’s very difficult to envision something happening so quickly.” Last Friday, during Scotland’s Nations League triumph over Croatia at Hampden Park, Doak presented a significant challenge to Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol on the right wing, drawing considerable notice to the young player. Prior to Saturday’s Championship fixture against Oxford United, Carrick further commented: “There’s no getting away from it, Ben’s having a really good time of it at the moment. He’s playing some good football and looking dangerous. “The opportunity for him to come here and play and be part of the squad – he’s obviously confident. We know his strengths, it’s pretty obvious what he’s good at and he’s taken that on to Scotland as well.” Carrick expressed a sense of responsibility towards the young player, adding: “We’re really pleased with him, but for us it doesn’t change anything. It’s a long season so we’re certainly not getting carried away but it’s great to see him thriving at the moment.” He continued: “Then obviously going to Scotland and having an impact for them, it’s fantastic for Ben and great for us that he’s with us and playing so well. “We have still got to be careful, he’s still young, we have got to manage him and preparing him for going though the whole season.” In other team news, Carrick disclosed that midfielder Aidan Morris will be unavailable for “a number of weeks” due to a knee injury sustained during training with the USA squad in preparation for their Nations League quarter-final against Jamaica last week. Additionally, his midfield colleague Hayden Hackney is currently recovering from an ankle injury, though Carrick expressed that he was “hopeful” this would not result in a prolonged period of absence.