MICHAEL CARRICK is delighted with the versatility that has enabled Rav van den Berg to plug Middlesbrough’s troublesome left-back spot, but insists he has not written off either Lukas Engel or Hayden Coulson.

Having started Saturday’s win at Watford at right-back, van den Berg switched to the left of the back four when Lewis O’Brien was forced off with an ankle injury, with Tommy Smith coming on to play on the right.

The 19-year-old has spent most of his career so far playing as a centre-half, but has looked comfortable in both full-back spots, with Carrick full of admiration for the way in which the Dutch youngster has settled into life on Teesside.

“Rav’s been great,” said the Boro boss. “It’s a whole new experience for him, a new style of football and so many new experiences from what he’s been used to. Credit to him, he’s embraced that and that’s why he’s here, because he wanted to have those experiences and test himself.

“He will definitely be a better player for it as his career progresses. He’s played right-back for us, he’s played at left-back, and of course we want to play him at centre-back at some point because that’s his natural position.

“He’s just a real down-to-earth, humble, steady, solid and stable character. He’s also got outstanding potential in terms of football ability. So, credit to him for taking on the challenge in terms of being here, and the way he’s developed so far.”

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While van den Berg has gone from strength to strength so far this season, Engel has struggled to cope with the demands of Championship football since switching from the Danish league in the summer.

Coulson started the season at left-back against Millwall and Coventry, but has not made a first-team appearance since and was pressed into action with the Under-21s on Friday night.

“Hayden is fine and training with the boys every day,” said Carrick. “He’s part of the squad and just needed a game on Friday evening to top him up as we manage the minutes of the boys. We need them all to be ready, if and when they need to play. It’s not a case of hoping for anything extra from any of them, we just ask that they be the best version they can be.”