DAN Barlaser says keeping hold of the likes of Ben Doak and Emmanuel Latte Lath would be "massive" for Middlesbrough this month.

The future of star loanee Doak is uncertain after Crystal Palace and Ipswich made permanent moves for the winger at the end of last week, with Liverpool rejecting the initial bids.

Latte Lath, meanwhile, remains the focus of transfer speculation, with West Ham United and Ipswich, who made a late move for the striker in the summer window, both strongly linked.

Both underlined their importance in the weekend draw with Cardiff, with Doak teeing up Latte Lath for Boro's early opener.

Asked about the importance of January and both strengthening the squad and keeping key players, Barlaser said: "It's massive. We want to keep all our best players and bring some help in. We haven't had much luck with injuries again.

"Getting some lads back would be good but it's vital for any team, especially if you want to progress up the table."

Losing Doak this month would be a huge blow for Boro.

Barlaser said: "All of those lads up front, the pacey players, Manu, Izzy, just put it in the space and let them run. If I was that quick that's all I'd be doing.

"Ben has been unbelievable, especially for the age he's at. Like I said, if we can get our attacking players in good areas we can score a lot of goals."

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Middlesbrough disappointment sparks Carrick tone change & frank Riverside admission

• Tommy Conway and Seny Dieng Middlesbrough injury update & Blackburn cup plans

• Sunderland's plan for future star & bizarre Middlesbrough defeat fallout a 'surprise'

Boro were frustrated in their efforts to do that against Cardiff at the weekend, with Michael Carrick's side unable to turn possession into clear cut chances and goals.

Barlaser said: "It's definitely disappointing. We knew it would be that type of game because at Watford they played the same way and sat behind the ball. We started well, then they scored and just sat behind the ball.

"We could have been better switching play. We just weren't at our best in the final third. It's disappointing.

"It's very, very hard to break a team down who have 11 men behind the ball. There's not much space, we want space for our pacey players. We didn't give Manu enough service.

"But on the positive side we pinned them in and stayed patient."

Barlaser understood the frustration of supporters at the weekend.

He said: "It's a good pressure. For me, it's an honour. We're fighting for a fantastic club who want to achieve things and the fans pay their money so they can shout and scream as much as they want.

"We kept going until the end but unfortunately we couldn't get the goal."