MICHAEL Carrick didn't rule out a loan move for Alex Gilbert this month after the capture of Morgan Whittaker.

Middlesbrough's head coach previously suggested a move for Gilbert would be unlikely, but the arrival of Whittaker adds further competition at the front end of the pitch.

The new recruit has been signed primarily to play on the right wing in the long term, but Liverpool loanee Ben Doak currently has that position nailed down. Whittaker is versatile and is likely to be used in different roles across the forward line in the second half of the season, which could make game-time even harder to come by for Gilbert, who has only played 70 minutes of Championship action so far this season.

Gilbert was a fringe figure last season but took his opportunities and impressed late in the campaign, which resulted in Boro opting against a loan move for the former Brentford man in the summer.

But his progress was disrupted by a knee injury in September that kept him on the sidelines for two months and he's had to settle for cameos from the bench since.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Middlesbrough's David Strelec transfer stance amid Emmanuel Latte Lath uncertainty

• Morgan Whittaker: Wayne Rooney delight, Plymouth Burnley truth & Boro's long pursuit

After scoring the dramatic late winner at Hull on New Year's Day, Gilbert admitted his lack of football has been "difficult" to deal with but told of his "love" for Boro.

But Finn Azaz is Carrick's first choice at No.10 and Whittaker will hope to play a key role in the second half of the season.

Asked whether the addition of the Plymouth forward could potentially mean a loan move for Gilbert, Carrick said: "This week is what it is. There are decisions to be made on a number of things. We'll have to wait and see."

One forward has already headed out on loan this month, with Micah Hamilton linking up with Stockport until the end of the season. He made his debut from the bench for the League One promotion chasers in the 2-0 win over Crawley on Saturday.

Carrick said: "It was just to get him a good run of games. He could have stayed here and at one stage we were looking at that and being here and being around it.

"But then things change a little bit and we thought it would be best for him to go and play and do really well, and hopefully come back stronger for us at the end of the season."

If Boro did decide to sanction a loan for Gilbert this month he wouldn't be short of takers, with several clubs having kept tabs on the forward's situation. Swansea City were linked earlier in the window.

Another Boro player reportedly attracting interest from elsewhere is Matt Clarke, who has been linked with a return to former club Derby County.

Clarke's last start came in the Championship defeat to Leeds in December and he's only made one appearance from the bench since.

Carrick said: "It's difficult to say with individuals at this stage of the season. There's a bit to go through this week, a number of lads who we need to think about what's best for us and them and work that out. We'll see how it goes."