As much as Michael Carrick would love to have seen Riley McGree progress further in the World Cup, the Middlesbrough head coach is delighted to have his key midfielder back at Rockliffe injury free and raring to go.

McGree played a starring role for Australia as the Socceroos made it into the knockout stage of the World Cup for just the second time, eventually being edged out by Lionel Messi's Argentina in the round of 16 last Saturday.

Just three days later McGree was back on the training pitches at Rockliffe and his attention had shifted back to club football and tomorrow's visit of Luton Town in the Championship.

READ MORE: Riley McGree wants Middlesbrough to benefit from his 'awesome' World Cup experience

Carrick and his coaching team have been closely monitoring McGree throughout the week as they decide whether he's ready to go straight back into the Boro starting XI against the Hatters, but the head coach says the midfielder has "come back well" after the experience of a lifetime in Qatar.

“I was delighted for him and it’s great to have him back," said Carrick, reflecting on McGree's World Cup exploits.

"You’re always caught in two minds sat in my position because knowing him and knowing the situation like that which is the stuff of dreams, you want to fulfil everything. I think he probably ticked a lot of the boxes, going there making it out of the group and then playing against Argentina in a huge game and setting up goals and playing a big part along the way.

"It will be an excellent experience for him and he should be in good nick because you play games, you tick over and stay in a rhythm. So I think he’s had a great time and the other side is that he’s come back injury free, which you’re always hoping.

"He’s fitted straight back in and had a couple of days training. We’ll judge closer to the weekend exactly where he’s at and whether it’s too soon for him. But he’s certainly come back well and it’s great to have him back.

"We're slightly disappointed for him that he couldn’t stay longer, but at the same time, from a selfish perspective, it’s nice to have him back and the squad being strong again.”

McGree received a boost on his return this week with news that his brilliant strike against Norwich City before the break has been nominated for the Championship Goal of the Month award for November. The winner is partly decided by a fan vote, which is HERE.

For Boro head coach Carrick, the perfect Saturday would see his side continue their fine recent form with victory against Luton followed by England success in the World Cup quarter-final against France.

Carrick knows a lot of the England players and staff well and wished them luck, with the Boro boss of the belief that the last eight clash will be decided by "small details".

He said: “It’s a tough game, as they always are at that stage of a World Cup. They will need the majority of their players at it to see these kind of big games through.

"These kind of games can go down to small details - a single lapse in concentration or a moment of brilliance. We definitely have a squad capable of doing that and Gareth is blessed with options. It’s a great position to be in, I’m sure they’re looking forward to it and I wish them all the best.

“We wish England all the very best. I really do know a lot of the lads and have been around them a long time so we wish them well."

READ MORE:

'Important' Newcastle and Sunderland friendlies help Middlesbrough prepare for Luton

Rotherham United boss responds to Middlesbrough Dan Barlaser transfer links

Middlesbrough planning ahead with transfer targets for next summer already identified