MICHAEL Carrick admits he's been dealing with a frustrated Riley McGree in the last couple of weeks after the Australian international underlined his Middlesbrough importance with a fine return to action.

After returning from injury, McGree was itching to get back involved but was an unused substitute against Preston and Sunderland.

Carrick understood the midfielder's frustrations but was keen to make sure he didn't rush the 25-year-old back, particularly after an injury-hit campaign last term.

When fit, McGree is a key figure for Boro, as demonstrated in Saturday's win against Stoke. The returning left midfielder had a hand in both goals, forcing Viktor Johansson into a save that he could only parry for Ben Doak's opener before helping to win back possession in the build-up to Hayden Hackney's stunning strike.

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After making just his second start of the season, Carrick will now closely assess McGree over the course of the next 24-48 hours to make sure he's OK for Tuesday's trip to West Brom.

"He was important, he's an important player for us," said Carrick.

"He's been here a while now, he gets it and knows what we're about.

"He stepped in and him and Finn (Azaz) had a really good relationship.

"We've been patient with him, he's been a bit frustrated he hasn't had more minutes but today was a good chance for him and we knew 60 to 70 minutes was probably his limit to look after him."