JOSH Coburn, Dael Fry and Paddy McNair are still yet to resume training as they battle injuries - but Michael Carrick remains hopeful the Middlesbrough trio will play again this season.

Coburn hasn't featured for Boro in more than two months and has only started one league game since early February because of a groin issue that has plagued the striker for most of the season. The 21-year-old had minor surgery on the problem before Christmas but has only made three appearances since the turn of the year.

Fry, meanwhile, has missed the last 11 games with a pelvic issue, while McNair suffered a hamstring injury late in Northern Ireland's win over Scotland during the recent international break.

"They're not back training yet," said Carrick of Coburn, Fry and McNair.

Asked whether there's a chance the trio might not play again this season, Boro's head coach replied: "It depends. I think they'll be back before the end of the season but Dael and Josh have missed more than Paddy. We'll see.

"I'm not saying no to anything at this stage but the sooner we can have them back and around the group, the better."

RECOMMENDED READING:

There was better news on the Boro injury front, with Alex Bangura back in full training and in contention to return to the squad at Hull City on Wednesday night.

Boro have been boosted by the return of Hayden Hackney and Rav van den Berg, who were both unused substitutes against Swansea, and Carrick must now decide whether the pair are ready to start at the MKM Stadium.

He said: "We have to be patient. They weren't ready to play (against Swansea) they were just in and around the group.

"Having so many subs now, getting the boys in and around the group is important. We'll make a call on who's ready and when but we won't rush anything with younger players.

“Alex is back in and around the group now. He’s been training maybe a week or so. Again, he’s been out for a little bit longer so we’re cautious with him, but he’s definitely around the group.

"We'd love to have everyone to choose from but the boys that are playing have done particularly well. We're trying to carry that on as well as we can. We know the challenges ahead, we're playing a very good team, very dangerous team, we know the challenges we face but we're very positive."