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Middlesbrough's huge Ben Doak boost after Liverpool loan recall cut-off confirmation

Liverpool loanee Ben Doak will see out the season at Middlesbrough <i>(Image: Tom Banks)</i>
Liverpool loanee Ben Doak will see out the season at Middlesbrough (Image: Tom Banks)

BEN Doak is set to see out the season at Middlesbrough with the cut-off for Liverpool to recall the winger having now passed, Michael Carrick has confirmed.

Doak scored Boro's second goal in Tuesday night's 2-0 win over West Brom, after which Carrick revealed the Premier League leaders can no longer recall the Scotland international.

It comes after a couple of weeks of transfer uncertainty following failed Ipswich and Crystal Palace bids for the teenager. But after those initial offers were knocked back, Liverpool have received no further bids.

The cut-off clause was inserted into Doak's loan contract to ensure Boro had January clarity and didn't face a scenario of the winger being recalled in the final days or hours of the window, leaving the Championship side with next to no time to source a replacement.

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Liverpool are delighted with how Doak's loan spell has so far played out at the Riverside - and Carrick is obviously thrilled the deadline for the winger to recalled has been and gone.

“The deadline has passed for Ben," said the head coach.

"I said along I was calm! Obviously we’re really happy he’s here, but genuinely, it hasn’t been a big thing for us."

Doak's importance to Boro was again clear against West Brom, with the winger scoring the goal to wrap up the points seven minutes from time.

Carrick said: "He showed again tonight how dangerous he is and then scored a terrific goal. It’s something he can do a little bit more, come inside onto his left foot, because it’s something he’s good at as well. I’m delighted with it."

“He’s got that weapon and unique threat. The way he plays the game, everyone has their own strengths, but the way Ben plays the game, he’s always in the game and always a threat. We’re obviously happy he’ll be staying here. He’s a big role and he’ll continue to do that for the time that he’s here."