Michael Carrick didn’t rule out a Seny Dieng Middlesbrough exit this month, as he admitted Tom Glover is being selected ahead of him right now.

Dieng lost his place in the Boro side last month before suffering a hip flexor issue that kept him sidelined for a month. Though back in the Boro squad on Saturday at Portsmouth and fit enough to play, Carrick admitted the decision to keep Glover in was based on merit, and appeared to confirm the Australian will retain his place on Tuesday evening when West Brom visit.

It comes as speculation has grown on Teesside that the Senegal international could leave the club this month. Indeed, strengthening such talk is the fact that Boro are pursuing a loan deal for Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers - with Boro hoping to beat Watford to the Ireland international’s signature this month.

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Asked about the Glover selection decision and Dieng’s Boro future, Carrick said: “Seny’s fit but it’s not always easy to pick the team. As I’ve said many times through the season, we’ve got a good squad and there are decisions we have to make. Tom has done well and he deserves to play tomorrow.

“Seny is an important player for us, as is every player who is here. I try not to treat any player any differently. I genuinely try to treat everyone the same and give them a fair chance. That doesn’t change. Whoever is here, while they’re here, I’ll be exactly the same with everyone.”