MICHAEL Carrick has every intention of continuing to give Middlesbrough's academy youngsters a first team chance at the Riverside, telling the club's stars of tomorrow that if he deems them good enough they'll get their dream opportunity.

Carrick has handed out first team debuts to a string of academy graduates since he joined the club at the end of 2022.

Sonny Finch and Pharrell Willis got their chance in the 2022/23 season, while Fin Cartwright, Law McCabe, Ajay Matthews, Charlie Lennon and James Wilson all made their first team bows this term. Calum Kavanagh got his first taste of senior football before leaving for Bradford City in the January transfer window, and a number of other youngsters were named as substitutes in first team league and cup games.

Middlesbrough's injury crisis in recent months did open the door but Carrick has always said he'll only give young players an opportunity if they're good enough.

And although Boro will bolster their squad with new signings this summer, Carrick has promised to continue giving the club's homegrown players a chance.

“I’ve said it from day one, I really enjoy giving young players a chance and trying to help develop them," said the head coach.

"Of course, from the other side, they need to be good enough, or show potential to be good enough. Not every player can make it because there is so much competition in every position. There is a point of being good enough and also picking the right time.

"Not everyone can get that big chance, if you like, but certainly we’ll give them every opportunity we can in terms of training with us, having eyes on them and taking care of them to see how we can help develop them in the hope of getting them around the group by taking each step."

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Carrick regularly gives Boro's Under-18s and Under-21s the opportunity to step up and join the first team in training, so the head coach and his staff can cast their eye over the teenage talent.

Several of the youngsters will get an opportunity to impress the boss in pre-season games this summer.

Carrick said: "For me, to see boys taking each little step is great to see. A few did that recently and hopefully, if they keep doing the right things, there will be more for them, and hopefully there will be more for the next crop coming through next season as well.

"Hopefully the rest of the lads in the academy see the opportunity is there and it gives them encouragement and incentive to see that there is something at the end if they do the right things."

For two of Boro's youngsters, McCabe and Matthews, it's been a special month or so.

Seventeen-year-old striker Matthews was rewarded for his eye-catching displays for the Under-18s and Under-21s with a first team opportunity, making his debut from the bench in the home defeat to Leeds and also being introduced late on in the win at Cardiff.

McCabe, meanwhile, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign. He was a regular in first team training and in matchday squads and made his first start for his hometown club in the final day victory over Watford, before being named Academy Scholar of the Season.

And to cap off a memorable period, the pair, who came through the ranks together at Boro, this week featured alongside each other for England's Under-18s in a win over Northern Ireland at St George's Park.

Both came off the bench 10 minutes into the second half, with Matthews scoring England's fourth goal to secure a 4-2 victory. The pair will be hoping for more action when England host Morocco on Sunday afternoon.