MIDDLESBROUGH are holding regular conversations with Liverpool over Ben Doak, with Michael Carrick claiming that whatever is best for the teenage loanee will inevitably benefit the Teessiders too.

Doak was not involved in Boro’s 3-0 home defeat to Coventry City at the weekend, with Carrick revealing that the 18-year-old had been showing signs of fatigue and was also nursing a minor hamstring complaint.

The decision not to play Doak at the Riverside was taken solely by Carrick and the rest of Boro’s management team, but there is a constant dialogue with senior officials at Anfield over the Scotland international’s progress and wellbeing.

Doak is expected to return to Boro’s starting line-up when they take on QPR at Loftus Road tonight, with Carrick insisting that everyone benefits if the youngster is carefully managed.

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Carrick said: “With a loan, especially with younger players, there are always conversations taking place (with the parent club). Some of it is bigger than others.

“We’ve got a duty of care to look after him and try to make him a better player, which in turn will make us better.

“Ben’s settled here well, and we have good options down that side of the pitch with Izzy (Isaiah Jones) and Marcus (Forss) as well. So, everyone will play their part.”

Doak’s absence enabled Jones to return to Boro’s starting line-up at the weekend, but the winger failed to impress, albeit in a game that didn’t really see anyone in the home side’s one-off white kit sparkle.

Tonight’s game should provide Doak with an opportunity to further strengthen his claim to a regular starting spot on the right of Boro’s attack, even if Carrick continues to insist that the depth of options available to him is one of his squad’s biggest strengths.

The Boro boss said: “They’re all itching to make an impact. That’s the beauty of having a good squad. We have good players and unfortunately when I name the team, not everyone can play.

“But it’s because of the squad that we feel confident we can have success. The challenge for everyone is use the competition and perform - both in training and matches - and take any opportunities that come. Hopefully, they will continue striving to be that little bit better.”