MIDDLESBROUGH are in the market for a new central midfielder this summer - but don't be fooled into thinking that could mean Jonny Howson's impact will wane next term.

Howson may well have turned 36 this week and, as head coach Michael Carrick says, there is inevitably going to come a time when age starts to catch up with the midfielder. But that time is not yet upon us, as the former Leeds and Norwich man demonstrated in the most recent season.

He's as crucial as he's ever been to Boro and while his contract was due to expire this summer, come the end of the season a new deal for the skipper was a must. It was signed on the eve of the final day win over Watford and Howson was serenaded by fans the following day. He knows and appreciates how popular he is in the stands.

Strengthening in midfield is a priority on Teesside this summer. Boro opted against making Lewis O'Brien's Nottingham Forest loan deal permanent, with the coaching and recruitment team instead in the market for a different type of midfielder. Boro hope to make an early breakthrough on that front, with any new arrival set to further bolster a department that already includes Howson, Hayden Hackney, who'll be fully fit for the start of pre-season, and Dan Barlaser. Boro also have Law McCabe, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign and made his first start for his hometown club on the final day, and was this week named in the England Under-18s squad alongside teammate Ajay Matthews.

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With options and variety in his midfield next season, Carrick will have the opportunity - if required - to closely manage Howson. But all the evidence points towards the experienced midfielder again playing a central and leading role for Boro next term. And it's not just on the pitch where he's crucial and influential.

“You run out of ways to praise Jonny really," said Carrick, who was delighted after Howson agreed a new contract at the end of the season.

"Of course, there is going to be a time when he might not be able to play all the time or play every minute of every game. I’m not saying we’re there yet, by any stretch, because he’s still having such a big impact. That’s just something that we need to manage anyway.

"But in terms of his presence, his impact, his experience, how he makes himself the example really made it an obviously decision (to give him another contract).

"He has a massive impact with the young players that come through too and just plays a massive role in the culture we’re creating at the club - he epitomises that.

"We were delighted that he is fit and healthy enough to be able to stay, because for some players that is taken away from you. To have him around for another year, we’re delighted."

Carrick will also be delighted to have a fully-fit Hackney back in his ranks for the start of pre-season. The Teessider missed a large bulk of the most recent season through injury, including the last two-and-a-half months with a knee problem.

The head coach said recently: "There was no point in trying to rush him at the end of the season. He’ll be fine and there’ll be no problems at the start of pre-season.”

The future of O'Brien remains unclear after his Middlesbrough exit and Nottingham Forest return. The former Huddersfield man isn't expected to be part of Nuno Espirito Santo's plans at the City Ground. Sheffield United and Preston have been linked.