MICHAEL Carrick has told his Middlesbrough players who are trying to force their way into his starting XI to be ready to grasp their opportunity when it comes along, particularly now at a time when the head coach is dealing with a lengthy injury list.

With a number of first team players out of action, Carrick has been forced to shuffle his pack in the last few weeks and is expected to make changes for tonight's Carabao Cup last 16 clash against Exeter City.

Boro's winning run came to an end against Stoke City on Saturday, but one plus point for Carrick was a league debut for Alex Gilbert, who came off the bench in the second half.

The summer signing has had to be patient since his arrival from Brentford B, but Carrick has always stressed to Gilbert that it was a case of when not if his chance would come. The message to Gilbert has been the same to all of Boro's players: be ready.

"Everyone has the opportunity," said Carrick.

"The squad is the squad and everyone is there for the reason and are an important part of it in different ways. It was good for Alex to get on the pitch, it was his first league game so it was a big step for him. Now it's more of the same, be ready for the next challenge and the next opportunity, keep training well and keep working hard.

"Football is a funny old game, things can turn around really quick. That's the message to all the players. They've always been ready and stayed ready. They've trained well."

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One player who has re-established himself in Boro's XI this season is Isaiah Jones. After a brilliant breakthrough a couple of seasons ago, Jones endured a difficult campaign last term, with the winger speaking openly about a number of issues he was having to deal with off the pitch.

But off the pitch he's now smiling again and on it he's shown signs this season of getting back to his best. His appearance against Stoke on Saturday was his 100th in Boro colours.

Carrick said: "He's doing well, Izzy. He's been a real threat down the right side. It's good to see.

"We know what he's capable of. We've believed that for some time. He's in a good moment. Keep that going really, more of it and he'll keep improving as he goes."