MICHAEL Carrick says he's glad to have Martin Payero back at Middlesbrough after the midfielder made his first appearance for the club in 15 months in the friendly win at Rotherham.

Payero joined up with his Boro teammates in pre-season last week after he was given an extended break when his loan spell with Boca Juniors came to an end.

The 24-year-old looked to have played his last game for Boro when he headed back to his homeland 12 months ago but after Boca opted against making his loan deal permanent, he returned to Rockliffe. With 12 months left to run on his contract, there remains uncertainty surrounding Payero's future, but Carrick said: “He’s the same as everyone else in the group. He’s our player Martin and we’re happy to have him."

Carrick had his first look at Payero in a match environment on Wednesday night, with the Argentine starting in the No.10 role and playing 45 minutes at Rotherham.

He was neat and tidy in possession and Carrick was impressed considering Payero only had a week of training under his belt.

"In terms of the starting team, it wasn't so much about who started and who came on second half, it was about sharing the minutes," he said.

"I thought he did well because it wasn’t easy for him. He’s only trained with us for about a week now and it’s not easy just to fit straight back into it. But he has done that part, he’s a part of it, and we’re enjoying having him."

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Several young players were again given the chance to catch the eye for Boro, with Sam Collins, Cain Sykes, Jack Hannah and Terrell Agyemang all playing the second half. The pick of the bunch was Jack Stott, who was superb in midfield after being introduced at half-time and had a hand in the second goal, scored by Alex Gilbert.

Carrick said: “The lads have trained with us an awful lot over the last nine months or so, so they know a lot about what we expect of them and what we look for.

"I think that makes it easier for them to be consistent with their play. They can easily step in like they have done and know their jobs. I thought the young lads that came on second half did ever so well and they can be proud of themselves.

"They’ve had a good pre-season so far. Of course, towards the start of the season when it really narrows down, we don’t carry a squad of 26 to games, but nevertheless, they’re giving us food for thought. They can only do as well as they have when given the chance and it’s an ongoing thing for them to keep progressing, keep improving and take their chances when they come."