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Michael Carrick makes Middlesbrough midfield point as he discusses Jonny Howson's importance

craig johns
·2-min read
Middlesbrough's Jonny Howson
-Credit: (Image: MI News/NurPhoto)


Michael Carrick admits he's really happy with Middlesbrough's midfield balance this season - but says Hayden Hackney's suspension highlights why Jonny Howson remains such an important player.

Howson played 65 minutes on Saturday - his longest appearance since returning from a hamstring injury - as he came off the bench after Hackney's red card to help settle Boro. The veteran midfielder will be expected to make his first league start on Tuesday evening at QPR, with Hackney out.

But with Hackney and Aidan Morris establishing a fruitful partnership in Boro's midfield in Howson's absence, the 36-year-old might find he isn't as regular a starter as he has been in previous seasons going forward. Despite that, Carrick is keen to stress that he still has a big role to play, as the current gap in the team proves.

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“We’re disappointed to lose H," Carrick said. "It’s pretty obvious how important he is. But that’s the squad and why we always say everyone will play their part. It kicks on over the season and you never ever play with the same 11 week in, week out for a long period of time.

"We have good players who can share the load over the course of a season. Having someone like Jonny back is fantastic, and I thought he did particularly well when he came on in a difficult situation to show what he brings to the group. This is not totally on Jonny, but I think there’s an element for any player of, when you’re not in the team, everyone thinks you’re a better player.

"Listen, Jonny is club captain and has great experience. I must admit though, as a midfield, I think we’ve been particularly strong this season. But, yeah, Jonny brings that element of experience and composure to the team, which is priceless when you use it in the right way."