Liverpool have 'dangerous' winger who is providing 'real joy' away from Anfield

Liverpool teenager Ben Doak has been praised as "dangerous" by Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick after making an explosive return to action. Doak, who is on loan at the Riverside for the season, started six consecutive Championship games before being rested for Boro's 3-0 home defeat to Coventry City at the weekend due to tiredness.

The 18-year-old was back in the starting line-up at QPR on Tuesday night and provided his first assist for the club as the visitors romped to a 4-1 triumph.

And while Carrick has challenged Doak to continue improving his decision-making, the Boro boss was hugely encouraged by the winger's overall performance.

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“He’s got really good enthusiasm for playing," he said. "That comes through in the way he plays. He’s always looking to be so positive and direct.

"Listen, there are obviously levels to decision-making, and he still needs to work on that, to sense what’s dangerous and when to dribble and when not to dribble.

"But to have that kind of purpose about your work is so valuable. You see it in the energy and the willingness to keep trying things.

"It’s a real joy to see, and quite refreshing, really. He’s dangerous, and for the first goal, he delivered a great move and a great bit of play. I’m delighted that he got rewarded for all his good work."

Doak has made nine appearances since switching to Middlesbrough in late August, and has scored one goal which came in a 2-0 win over Stoke City in September.