GEORGE McCORMICK will be part of the Middlesbrough squad that faces Swansea City in the opening game of the Championship season this lunchtime, with Michael Carrick having been delighted with the teenager’s progress in the last couple of weeks.

McCormick was the surprise success story of Boro’s pre-season programme, having been elevated to the first-team group when Alex Bangura suffered the Achilles injury that will keep him out of much of the forthcoming campaign.

The 19-year-old left-back alternated with Lukas Engel during pre-season, and impressed with his polished performances as part of Boro’s back four.

He will be on the bench when the Teessiders kick off the new campaign at the Riverside today, and while Boro’s recruitment are expected to sign a new left-back before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, he has repeatedly caught Carrick’s eye this summer.

“I think it’s fantastic to see George doing so well, and him coming into the group and taking the opportunity in the way that he has,” said the Boro boss. “Whatever happens next, or wherever it goes, he’s given himself a great opportunity.

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“It’s fantastic when you see a young player come up and grasp it. He’s a fantastic character with an unbelievable attitude. You want players like that to do well, so credit to him for that. He’s with us, and he’ll be involved in the game on Saturday. Like any other player, he’ll evolve and have his ups and downs, but certainly at the moment, we couldn’t ask any more of him.”