MICAH Hamilton won't be heading out on loan this month, with Michael Carrick instead keen to keep a close eye on the former Manchester City winger, who he believes has a "bright future" at Middlesbrough.

Having played for City in the Champions League last season, Hamilton was an exciting summer arrival and Boro beat off competition from Premier League clubs and several Championship rivals to the capture of the winger.

But it's taken time for the 21-year-old to settle on Teesside and he's only made two Championship starts so far.

That, though, doesn't concern Carrick. Boro's head coach was always well aware of the need for patience with the versatile forward and is willing to play the long game.

Having never left City on loan before his permanent switch to Boro, Carrick felt Hamilton was always likely to need time to adjust to his new surroundings on and off the pitch and remains "really excited" about what the winger - who will feature against Blackburn in the FA Cup third round today - can offer going forward.

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Hamilton's lack of football so far this season led to questions about whether he'd benefit from a loan spell away from Boro, but Carrick was clear in his stance.

“I think he’s better off with us," said Boro's boss.

"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.”

Hamilton has played most of his football so far for Boro on the left flank, but it was on the right where he featured most prominently in the City youth ranks. Boro are currently weighing up their next step ahead of the imminent exit of Isaiah Jones and considering whether or not to directly replace the winger after he completes his Luton switch.

Regardless of their decision on that front, Carrick says Hamilton is a big part of his plans moving forward.

“I’m really excited about Micah," he said.

"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.

As for Hamilton's best position, Carrick said: “He’s played across the whole frontline in the different age groups that he’s played on the way up. He’s certainly capable of playing on the right, it’s not out of the question.”