RILEY McGree has only started three Championship games this season - and Middlesbrough have won them all.

If only the Australian international had been fully fit and firing throughout the entirety of the early months of the campaign.

He is now, though - and there's every chance he returns to Boro's starting XI tonight for the visit of Sheffield United on the back of two defeats, games in which McGree started on the bench.

Carrick made that call to protect the 25-year-old, who had played two games in quick succession after an injury lay-off so was rested at Watford. He then faced a lengthy trip back to Teesside after featuring for Australia during the international break, hence the decision to leave him out against Bristol City on Saturday.

But if the early stages of the season have shown anything it's that Boro look to be a better side when McGree is on the pitch.

"Riley is important to us, of course he is," said Carrick.

"He’s proven that over a long period of time and there is still a lot more to come from him. I’m sure there is still more to come, and that will prove over the next couple of games."

Carrick isn't short of options in the front area of the pitch and has some difficult and interesting decisions to make in the coming weeks as he looks to find the right attacking formula.

He said: "We’ve got good players and everyone wants to play. Not all of them are going to play every game and it’s about picking the right time and the right mix. That’s my job.

“The boys are all desperate, and that’s a great sign. They’re all desperate to play, they’re all pushing, but in a really positive way. Training is good - competitive in a really healthy way - the attitude has been fantastic and certainly Riley is all of that. The boys are all in a really good place."