'Real joy' - Michael Carrick sets Ben Doak a challenge as he shines again for Middlesbrough

Michael Carrick described Ben Doak as a real joy to watch as he once again shone for Middlesbrough - though he set the young wide man a challenge to improve a key area of his game.

Returning to the Boro side on Tuesday evening after missing the weekend defeat due to fatigue, Doak once again proved how important he is to Carrick's side with an excellent performance at Loftus Road. He was a threat throughout and provided an assist for Riley McGree's opening goal.

Making use of the small pitch in West London, the Liverpool loanee put the QPR defence to the sword, with Marti Cifuentes withdrawing left-back Hevertton Santos at half-time after a torrid time against the 18-year-old. Praising his performance, Carrick also highlighted a key area for the loan star to improve.

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The Boro boss said: “He’s got really good enthusiasm for playing. That comes through in the way he plays. He’s always looking to be so positive and direct. Listen, there are obviously levels to decision-making, and he still needs to work on that, to sense what’s dangerous and when to dribble and when not to dribble.

"But to have that kind of purpose about your work is so valuable. You see it in the energy and the willingness to keep trying things. It’s a real joy to see, and quite refreshing, really. He’s dangerous, and today, for the first goal, he delivered a great move and a great bit of play. I’m delighted that he got rewarded for all his good work."