MICHAEL CARRICK accepts Middlesbrough will miss Hayden Hackney at QPR this evening – but the Boro boss has backed Jonny Howson to step into the gap created by his fellow midfielder’s suspension.

Hackney will sit out the trip to Loftus Road as he serves a one-match ban following his dismissal for two yellow cards in Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat to Coventry City.

The Teessider has started all of Boro’s league matches so far this season, but his absence this evening coincides with Howson’s return from a hamstring injury.

The club captain hobbled off during August’s Carabao Cup win at Leeds United, and was sidelined for more than two months.

However, after coming on as a substitute in the last three matches, Howson is set to make his first league start of the season at QPR, partnering Aidan Morris at the heart of the Boro midfield.

“We’re disappointed to lose H (Hackney),” said Carrick, whose side remain just three points off the play-off places despite having dropped to 11th position in the table at the weekend. “It’s pretty obvious how important he is. But that’s the squad and why we always say everyone will play their part.

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“It kicks on over the season and you never ever play with the same 11 week in, week out for a long period of time. We have good players who can share the load over the course of a season.

“Having someone like Jonny back is fantastic and I thought he did particularly well when he came on in a difficult situation (against Coventry), to show what he brings to the group.”

Morris and Hackney have started alongside each other in all bar one of Boro’s 13 league matches – Dan Barlaser partnered Hackney in the starting line-up for September’s draw with Preston – and the pair have dovetailed reasonably effectively.

However, there have been times when Boro have undoubtedly missed Howson’s organisational skills and leadership as part of their midfield mix. The 36-year-old is the most experienced member of Carrick’s first-team squad, and at a time when the Teessiders need to get their season back on track after a run of just one win from five league matches, his return to the fold could prove timely.

“This is not totally on Jonny, but I think there’s an element for any player of, when you’re not in the team, everyone thinks you’re a better player,” said Carrick. “But listen, Jonny is club captain and has great experience.

“I must admit, as a midfield, I think we’ve been particularly strong this season. But, yeah, Jonny brings that element of experience and composure to the team, which is priceless when you use it in the right way.”