Michael Carrick has challenged Massimo Luongo to earn a first team opportunity at Middlesbrough, as the midfielder continues to work on his fitness on the Rockliffe training pitches.

Luongo joined Boro on a free two months ago but is yet to play a minute and hasn't been included in a matchday squad since the draw with Rotherham in mid-September.

Match fitness has clearly been an issue for a player who last featured in a competitive game in April, for Sheffield Wednesday. But Carrick says once the 30-year-old is ready to feature, he will be considered - with the new head coach working from a clean slate having taken charge last week.

"Mas has been training pretty much every day, just like the rest of the squad," said Carrick.

"Hopefully he’s getting that level of fitness where he’s ready to step in."

Luongo's short-term deal on Teesside is due to expire in January, so the midfielder will be desperate for an opportunity to try and earn an extension. And Carrick says the availability of the midfielder and more squad competition can only be a good thing.

He said: "He’s like any player, it’s a clean slate and it’s a chance to impress me and the staff and be part of it. We have a good squad with a lot to choose from in certain positions. It’s just about choosing the right balance, but certainly Mas is heavily involved in that.

"You need (competition). You need players to know they believe in you but also need that edge to know they have to perform or someone is ready to step in. That’s healthy competition."