MICHAEL Carrick has stressed that selling their best players is not Middlesbrough's policy but believes Morgan Rogers' move to Aston Villa was "right for everyone" - and has wished the forward well for the future.
Rogers completed his move to Villa on deadline day in a deal that could be worth a total of £16m.
Carrick admitted he had "mixed emotions" at the exit of the 21-year-old, who he was enjoying working with and wanted to help fulfil his potential on Teesside, but he described the Villa switch as a "massive opportunity" for the ex-Manchester City attacker.
"You have to be realistic," said Carrick.
"Morgan is a Birmingham lad, they (Aston Villa) are going well in the Premier League. It's a massive opportunity for him and we understand that.
"I'm not saying that will happen for everyone, it's not a policy of the club by any stretch but you have to take everything on an individual basis.
"That was right for everyone, even though we would love to have kept him and worked him and seen how good he could become, but that's football. We'll move on as Morgan will but we wish him the very best and hope he fulfils all his potential."
READ MORE:
- The story of Morgan Rogers' Aston Villa move & what it means for Middlesbrough
- Carrick explains Middlesbrough striker transfer decision & gives window verdict
- Middlesbrough without key duo for Sunderland as Carrick provides injury update
- Story of Middlesbrough's January transfer window - ins, outs & strikers efforts
Although Carrick was a huge fan of Rogers, he believes Boro are well equipped to cope with his exit.
He said: "Finn was brought in so that made us stronger. That was in many ways a like for like with Morgan.
"Morgan, you take it as a one off situation, every transfer is different, it was one of those that fit for everyone in the end.
"It is what it is, mixed feelings. We looked forward to developing Morgan and help him reach his potential but at the same time we're realistic and understood the situation.
"In terms of the squad, we're strong, we have good options, we have boys coming back fit and are looking forward to the games coming up."
Carrick also wished Calum Kavanagh well after the young striker completed a permanent move to Bradford City on deadline day.
He said: "Kav being a younger player, some younger players come through and are able to get into the first team, other times it's about making a career somewhere else. We certainly wish Kav all the best from everyone at the club.
"It was nice for me personally to get him on the pitch and for him to have that experience."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here