Michael Carrick says he remains really excited about Micah Hamilton's future at Middlesbrough as he ruled out a loan exit for the young forward this month.

Hamilton joined Boro in a permanent transfer from Manchester City in the summer in what was seen as somewhat of a coup at the time. However, the 21-year-old has so far struggled to make an impact on Teesside, with a call for patience previously issued by the Boro boss.

While Carrick says Hamilton will still be given time to settle at Boro, given the impact they understand such a move has had on the youngster, on and off the pitch, the Boro boss remains excited about Hamilton's potential and believes he is getting closer to showing much more in a Boro shirt.

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Carrick said: “I’m really excited about Micah. He’s had a big experience over the past few months, leaving the club he’d been with from six years old, leaving home to come up here to a whole new environment. It’s a massive learning curve and he’s approached it and attacked it really well with how he’s dealt with things.

"He’s got a bright future. We’ll be patient with him, but I think he’s got a lot to offer. I’m really looking forward to what’s next for him. He’s not played a lot of senior football and he’s had to learn an awful lot in the period since he’s been here. There’s no big deal and drama there.

"Of course, we’re always hoping every single player is hitting their best form in every game. But sometimes it comes and goes and that’s a learning curve you’ve got to absorb and make use of. I think he’s in a really good place now to take on what he’s learned and kick on to the next level. We’ll give him the time and create the right environment to help him.

“He’s been absolutely fine. It’s what I would have expected. From the experience he’s had, where he’s played, to then coming here, and what we set out in our hopes for him, it’s pretty much what I expected. I’m really excited and have really high hopes for him."

With Hamilton's struggles meaning his game-time has been limited so far at the Riverside though, the question of whether or not he might benefit from a loan has been suggested. While Boro wouldn't benefit in terms of creating a gap in their squad because Hamilton qualified as an under-21 player this season, the player himself would potentially grow from added experiences at senior level.

But shutting down such consideration, Carrick said of a loan: “I think he’s better off with us. He’s part of what we do, in and around the group, he’s played some games and had really good experiences. He’ll be involved Saturday as well.”

More opportunities could present themselves in the second half of the season if Hamilton can step up and grasp them. That's because Isaiah Jones has left the club to join Luton Town, leaving Boro's forward line one man lighter than it has been. Though Hamilton has been exclusively used on the left since joining Boro, Carrick hasn't ruled out the former Man City academy star as a right-sided option.

“He’s played across the whole frontline in the different age groups that he’s played on the way up," the Boro boss said. "He’s certainly capable of playing on the right, it’s not out of the question.”