ALEX GILBERT AND MIDDLESBROUGH'S YOUNGSTERS COULD GET CHANCES BUT CARRICK SEEKS RIGHT BALANCE

Michael Carrick is planning to try and had out opportunities to some of Middlesbrough's young players including Alex Gilbert in the final two games of the season, but insists the priority remains winning both games.

Selection issues means that Gilbert and academy players are likely to be among the Boro squad for the final two games after four teenagers were named on the bench for Monday's defeat against Leeds United. That loss meant Boro's chances of making the play-offs this season were mathematically ended, so there is nothing but pride to play for in the final two games - starting away to Cardiff City this weekend.

But with the Leeds defeat Boro's only loss in their last ten games, Carrick's priority remains on winning the final two and ending the season strongly, as they look ahead to next season. The Boro boss is hoping the games shape up in a way that allows him to provide some pitch time to deserving young players, having made Ajay Matthews the latest debutant under his stewardship.

READ MORE: Positive Ajay Matthews transfer hint as Michael Carrick reflects on Middlesbrough debut

Carrick said: “There’s definitely a balance to strike. We want to play to win and finish the season strong. We’re on a good wave at the moment that we need to keep surfing. But there is certainly a balance. We’ve got players in the squad, or in and around it in training, who are waiting for that opportunity.

"We’ve got young players who maybe deserve that chance. That’s part of the decisions we have to make, but it certainly doesn’t mean we’re taking our eyes off the result and wanting to win the game. That’s the balance we’ve got to strike.”

One young player who will be hoping for extended game time in the final two is Alex Gilbert. Not an academy product, the 22-year-old joined Boro on a free last summer from Brentford B, expressing his desire at the time to use the move to break into senior football.

However, he's found appearances hard to come by, making only ten short sub appearances in the Championship this term. Coming off the bench against Leeds, however, he set up Emmanuel Latte Lath's second goal, following up his impressive assist at Southampton on Good Friday.

“Trying to carve out a career in the game is not easy and there are different ways that can come around," the Boro boss said when asked about Gilbert. "Sometimes you can get thrust in with an opportunity and you take it and the door opens so you stay in the team and your career goes in one direction. Other times it can be a bit more challenging.

"It’s not meant to be easy to play at this level! There are different ways to do it and sometimes it can test you a little bit. Certainly this season, Alex wanted to play football and he’s been desperate for more minutes on the pitch. He’s had to be patient and he’s trained well.

"He’s had to learn a lot as well, and credit to him for how he’s gone about it. He’s had a good impact for us recently and will be looking to finish the season on a high. He’s definitely moving in the right direction in terms of improving all the time.

"It’s great when it comes easy, but sometimes you have challenges you have to overc ome and you find you learn and develop a lot more because of that. He’s certainly showed that. He’s one over the next couple of games that we will definitely try to get involved."

2024-04-26T13:05:20Z dg43tfdfdgfd