Michael Carrick urged caution with young midfielder Law McCabe after he starred in Middlesbrough's FA Cup third-round defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

In an otherwise difficult game to take many positives from, the Boro boss referenced the 18-year-old midfielder as his positive in what he called a 'really bright' display. However, in what the academy prospect's third senior start for Boro, Carrick urged caution in expecting too much too soon in the Teessider, with the potential for his showing to increase clamour to see more of him.

On McCabe's performance and development plans, Carrick said: “I thought Law was really bright and handled the game well. He was a positive from the game. I don’t want to put too much on him at this stage though. I think he’s talented, there’s no doubt about that.

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"His intelligence and quality on the ball is very high. There are other parts of his game to keep working on - the physicality and that side of the game, for example. But that’s all part of his development. You wouldn’t expect him to have everything at his age. He’s doing well and had good experiences this season so far in various ways. I thought it was a good step for him today.”

As McCabe starred for Boro, fellow midfielder Aidan Morris took a step closer to returning to fitness after missing the last 12 games with a knee injury. Dan Barlaser has enjoyed a long run in the side alongside Hayden Hackney as a result, but Boro have won only four of those games without their USA star, with Jonny Howson also struggling with injury throughout the campaign. That could have an influence on any potential decisions Boro make this month with regard to McCabe and a loan exit.