MICHAEL Carrick says Middlesbrough are in a fortunate position when it comes to goalkeepers and welcomes the difficult decisions he faces this summer.

Not only do Boro have No.1 Seny Dieng and Australia international Tom Glover battling for the gloves, the department is also set to be boosted this summer by the return of two highly-talented young keepers who have again flourished out on loan.

Sol Brynn impressed in League One with Leyton Orient, another step forward for the 23-year-old who shone in League Two with Swindon Town the year previous.

Zach Hemming, meanwhile, has excelled at St Mirren this year, helping the Buddies qualify for Europe for the first time in 37 years, with Stephen Robinson, boss of the Scottish Premiership side, already making clear he'd love to re-sign the 24-year-old if the opportunity presented itself this summer. But he expects to face a lot of competition if Boro sanction a move, either temporary or permanent for Hemming.

Both Brynn and Hemming have two years left to run on their current contracts at the Riverside, so Boro could well opt for another loan move for the duo so they can benefit from another year of regular football.

Brynn, like Hemming, would be in-demand if that was the decision Boro took in the coming couple of months.

And, providing Dieng and Glover both stay this summer - the pair have both linked with moves away - Boro certainly wouldn't be short of senior options, especially with Jamie Jones perhaps set to extend his stay at the club.

The 35-year-old's contract is due to expire but he's stayed on at Rockliffe for treatment on a shoulder injury and an agreement on an extension could be reached in the coming weeks.

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Carrick is delighted to be so well stocked in the goalkeeper department and was thrilled from afar to see both Brynn and Hemming shine out on loan this term.

Now, he says, he must weigh up how best to ensure the duo keep progressing and give them the best chance of fulfilling their potential in the future.

"We're fortunate that we have got the goalkeepers to choose from," said Boro's head coach.

"We have to choose what's best for the younger ones and what's best for us in terms of what the squad looks like. What's best for them in terms of how we can bring the best out of them and give them the best chance to fulfil their potential.

"It's an individual case by case. The boys have done well and gained a lot of experience. We have to make decisions on how the balance of the group looks moving forward. That's the time of the year it is but we're fortunate we have them choices to make."

Young goalkeepers are in a unique position in that first team opportunities are harder to come by, which makes it all the more important to ensure the right decision is made and right club selected when it comes to loans to ensure they're ready if a Boro chance comes along down the line.

Carrick said: "It's not to say there's never an opportunity and it's never set in stone but as an outfield player there's more flexibility in getting an opportunity. That's the nature of the roles and positions and the boys will understand that."

The exit of one Boro goalkeeper was confirmed last week, with Liam Roberts set to become a free agent this summer when his contract expires. He had a good season on loan at Barnsley and the Tykes are expected to make a permanent move for the 29-year-old.