Michael Carrick's Dan Barlaser faith as Middlesbrough midfielder could get his big chance

Michael Carrick says he has 100 per cent faith in midfielder Dan Barlaser as injuries look set to hand the fringe man an opportunity the Middlesbrough side.

Barlaser has struggled for regular game-time on Teesside since making the switch from Rotherham United almost two years ago. That said, he is understood to remain a really valued member of Michael Carrick's squad. And the current injury concerns could hand the 27-year-old a rare starting spot for Boro at Oxford United.

Aidan Morris is guaranteed to miss out at the Kassam Stadium, while there is doubt over Hayden Hackney too, with the Teessider being assessed before the trip on Friday tea time, ready for the Saturday clash. That could present opportunities to Barlaser. He showed his desire to prove his worth lately when coming off the bench at QPR to net a fourth goal for Boro.

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Carrick said: "100 per cent, I really enjoy having Dan about. First of all, his character and personality are fantastic and he’s got some real, real quality. He can do things that many can’t in the way he plays the game. His strengths are are really, really strong and I have no doubts at all [about him].

"Of course, there are players that would like to play more, but the squad is so important and we need big players to be able to play and take us on at different stages of the season. Dan is a really important part of the squad and has been all of the time since he has been here and will continue to be that."