MICHAEL Carrick says he had no concerns about playing Morgan Rogers against Rotherham on the back of Aston Villa's two failed bids for the forward this week - and the Middlesbrough head coach expects the 21-year-old to be involved at Chelsea in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

Villa are said to have identified Rogers as their primary target this month and had two offers for the former Manchester City forward knocked back by Boro on Thursday.

It's not clear at this stage whether Villa will return with an improved bid but Carrick played down the situation and insisted his only focus was on the games approaching.

Speaking to the media for the first time since the news of Villa's interest broke, Carrick said: "There's not really (much I can tell you).

"It’s just that time of year where there is plenty of rumours and speculation. From my point of view, watching Morgan today, he played well.

"There is nothing to say really on that one. It’s all eyes on Tuesday and we expect him to be with us. 

"From my point of view, it’s pure speculation. Nothing surprises me in football and I don’t get involved in that. I’m only interested in the players we’ve got here to choose from. I picked a team today to try and win the game and we just couldn’t quite pull it off."

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Carrick said he had no qualms about playing Rogers on the back of the developments over the past couple of days.

“There was no reason to not play him," said Boro's head coach.

"He’s our player. He’s a massive part of the group and there was no issue whatsoever.

"Speculation is speculation. There are rumours everywhere. We’ve got some good players throughout the squad and nowadays you get talked about more than ever. That’s just how it is, but you’ve got to get on with the job.

"This is what we do and I’ve got no issues with any of the boys."

Rogers played a part in Boro's equaliser against Rotherham, teeing up Marcus Forss with a classy backheel late on.

The forward has quickly become an important part of Carrick's squad since joining in the summer and has featured in 26 of Boro's 28 Championship games.

Manchester City are monitoring the situation after the Premier League champions inserted a sell-on clause in the deal when Rogers joined Boro in the summer.