MIDDLESBROUGH'S January goalkeeper issue has been eased, with Tom Glover having been left out of Australia's squad for the Asian Cup.

But Boro are still set to lose three key players next month, with Riley McGree and Sammy Silvera both selected by the Socceroos and Seny Dieng in Senegal's provisional squad for the African Cup of Nations.

Boro were braced for the possibility of losing both Dieng and Glover next month, with Carrick previously admitting he was considering the prospect of recalling one of the club's three goalkeepers who are currently out on loan.

But Glover's omission from the Australia squad resolves that issue. Boro also have Jamie Jones, who will be expected to deputise for Glover during Dieng's time away.

Glover was in goal for the midweek Carabao Cup win at Port Vale and could keep his place for Saturday's visit of West Brom, with Dieng a doubt having injured his thigh at Swansea last week. Carrick confirmed this week, however, that the injury is only minor.

Aussie duo McGree and Silvera could potentially miss as many as nine Boro games in the new year after their selection was confirmed. The Australia squad link-up on January 1 ahead of the tournament starting on January 12 and runs until February 10.

Boro have nine games in that period, including both Carabao Cup semi-final ties against Chelsea and a home game against Sunderland in the Championship.

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McGree has been missing since the start of October with a plantar fascia injury but Carrick revealed this week that the midfielder is in contention to return to the squad this weekend, though made it clear the 25-year-old wouldn't be ready to start the game.

In Football Australia's statement confirming their selection, McGree is said to be "now fit".

Head coach Graham Arnold said: “The decision by the AFC was based on feedback from coaches following last year’s World Cup, and it’s a positive outcome that has given us plenty to think about in recent days.

“Overall, I’m extremely happy with the squad we’ve selected for the Asian Cup, it strikes the balance that we’re looking for when considering we've only just commenced World Cup qualification in November.”