Ben Doak's Middlesbrough admission can only help amid Liverpool January recall option

Middlesbrough will be hoping that Ben Doak's loan admission will help them come January, when Liverpool have an option to recall the flying wing man.

Doak has been enjoying a superb season since joining Boro on loan at the end of the summer transfer window. He has one goal and three assists for Michael Carrick's side and has generally improved Boro's attack with his pacey, direct wing-play, with few Championship full-backs looking comfortable against him.

As is standard with most loans, Liverpool insisted on inserting a clause that would allow them to recall the 18-year-old during the January transfer window, with manager Arne Slot recently joking they might have to, as they picked up a couple of attacking injuries.

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However, it's understood that Boro officials are relaxed about the situation as things stand, with Doak sent to the Riverside this season because of the lack of game time opportunities that would be likely for him at Anfield this term. And as January fast approaches, Doak's own admission on his loan spell will surely increase the chances that the Reds see bigger value in leaving Doak where he is.

Doak told club media after Saturday's victory over Luton Town: “It was great, and I think it was about time we put four or five goals in. It’s been coming - the amount of chances we create as a team. The game midweek and then this one, it’s more than what we deserve. It’s a terrific six points going into the international break.

"I’m really enjoying my football playing with these lot. I’m really starting to build a connection with a lot of the lads - they know my strengths and are doing a really good job of catering to them. I’m absolutely loving it. Every young lad just wants to play footie, it doesn’t matter what level. I’m lucky to be playing for such a good team and at such a good club.”