MICHAEL CARRICK has played down concerns over Emmanuel Latte Lath’s fitness and injury situation, revealing that the striker’s departure from today’s 2-0 win over QPR was a precautionary measure.

Having found the net against Norwich City, Latte Lath made it two goals in two games as he volleyed home Boro’s second-half opener at Loftus Road.

However, he was withdrawn in the 78th minute, and appeared to be feeling his leg as he left the field.

Carrick admits he is attempting to manage Latte Lath’s match minutes, with the Ivorian having suffered a succession of injury issues so far this season. However, he was quick to downplay the significance of this afternoon’s substitution.

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Carrick said: “He was just feeling the effects of the three games having not been back for very long. We had to manage him and be a little bit careful with him. You need the squad for that reason, and we’ve not always had the options this season.

“I’ve said it before, when boys aren’t in the team, it doesn’t mean they’re out the picture. This week we’ve managed to have a settled team which is a bit of a luxury this season.

“But the lads that came on, Sammy (Silvera) and Sam (Greenwood) especially, gave us a bit extra as well and played their part. It’s important everyone does that as the games come thick and fast.”

With Josh Coburn still unavailable because of injury, Latte Lath is likely to be back in the starting side when Boro head to St Andrew’s to face Birmingham City on Tuesday night.