Michael Carrick's Ben Doak warning as Liverpool loanee continues to impress for Middlesbrough

Michael Carrick has sent a reminder on the need for patience with Liverpool loanee Ben Doak after his withdrawal on Sunday saw Boro lose momentum against Norwich City.

Boro were leading 3-1 at Carrow Road when Doak was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark. The 18-year-old had played such a crucial role in what, to that point, had been an excellent away performance. But with Isaiah Jones unable to have the same impact, Boro lost control in the game and ended up having to settle for a draw.

Asked about Doak's threat, Carrick said: "Ben is dangerous, we know that, we know what he's capable of. He's still young and we still have to be patient with him and help him develop. We like to think we have the options of going right, left or through the middle.

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"Then it's up to the players and we give them the freedom to feel where the space is to attack. I thought we played some fantastic football at times today and got the reward with goals and could have scored more."

Doak is ultimately still building at Boro and only completed 90 minutes for the first time last weekend in the defeat to Bristol City. He stayed on until the 89th minute in the midweek win over Sheffield United. He's been a regular starter for Boro since his first start against Stoke City, but that was his first start in seven months, with the young winger missing most of last season with a serious knee injury.