Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick handed numerous opportunities to players who’ve not played as much of late, but Boro’s FA Cup journey came to an end at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.

For the second time in an as many months, Rovers came to the Riverside and frustrated Boro with their compact defence and, with a much-changed side, Boro struggled to find the rhythm or tempo to be able to break John Eustace’s side down. At the other end, Andi Weimann capitalised in an error-ridden five-minute spell and bagged the goal that proved enough to send Blackburn into the next round.

With particular emphasis on the changes made by Carrick, and how the fringe men did, here are the talking points and conclusions emerging from the game.

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Recent centre-back selections justified

As Rav van den Berg and Dael Fry have returned from injuries in the last month, they’ve both emerged as what appears to be Michael Carrick’s first-choice pairing. It’s a good place to be for Boro, given that means Matt Clarke and George Edmundson are now on the bench and waiting in the wings.

With Edmundson starting just one of the last four and Clarke just one of the last nine, it made sense that the pair got a start in the FA Cup. If anything though, it emphasised why Carrick appears to be favouring Van den Berg and Fry, despite how solid Edmundson and Clarke have been in recent times, and how solid the options are..

While Fry’s error led to Cardiff City’s goal last weekend, in general Boro were solid in that one, while the same could not really be said of the Blackburn game. Despite Blackburn’s limited attacking intent, they finished the match as the only side to create any clear-cut chances, and there were worrying gaps in the Boro defence that the visitors almost exploited on a few occasions.

Clarke and Edmundson have proven previously they are really solid options, and in their defence, coming in for a one-off game can be difficult in terms of finding your rhythm. But it seems cemented right now that Fry and Van den Berg are Boro’s first-choice pairing.

Law McCabe shines

The game provided Carrick a chance to rest Hayden Hackney, who has started every game since missing November’s league defeat to Blackburn. As he dropped to the bench, it provided an opportunity for another young academy midfield star in Law McCabe to earn just his third senior start.

It’s already well-known how bright a future the 18-year-old is expected to have, and he’s already proven that he can handle the level. This was another performance which showcased that fact, as he did well out of possession to win the ball back on many occasions - either through forecasting an attempted pass or being aggressive in the tackle. In possession, he grew in confidence as the game went on and produced a couple of really impressive turns on the ball when under pressure to escape his attention and progress Boro forward.

Understandably, Carrick is keen to urge caution for the young star and might even consider a lower-league loan move for McCabe this month. In some respect, that makes sense for his personal development. But having outshone midfield partner Dan Barlaser, there’s an equally fair argument that Boro could keep him around and use him more themselves in the second half of the season. Unlikely, but perhaps justified.

Alex Gilbert transfer decision validation

Having played so little in his first 18 months at Boro, there was a fair assumption heading into January that Gilbert - fit again after a badly-timed early-season injury - could head out on loan this month. However, after his heroics at Hull City on New Year’s Day, Carrick made pretty clear that he wants to keep the forward around.

This was ultimately a frustrating day for Boro against a solid Blackburn defence that they just could not breach. Despite that, Gilbert was one of Boro’s brightest and while he didn’t do enough to suggest he is yet close to forcing Finn Azaz out of the starting line-up, he at least proved that he can be a solid backup and has previously proven his ability to make an impact from the bench - which isn’t always an easy thing to do.

It would be easy to look at the overall picture of Saturday’s defeat and write every fringe player off based on the team performance. But it would be only fair to note how disruptive so many changes can be to the flow, particularly when Boro’s whole front four was changed and Delano Burgzorg was forced to once again play up top - a position he’s never looked as good in.

Despite that, Gilbert was probably Boro’s brightest attacking player on the day and at least showed intent to try and make something happen, dropping deep into the gaps to get on the ball and try and create or link with players. He particularly linked well with Micah Hamilton in the first half, but the struggling summer signing couldn’t take advantage. It’s only fair to say that might have been a different story had he been playing the same balls out to Ben Doak - in which case Gilbert’s impact would seem more significant too.

But Micah Hamilton continues to struggle

As noted above, Hamilton once again struggled to make an impact in a rare start for Boro. Again, as mentioned with Clarke and Edmundson, it’s only fair to reference the fact that he isn’t playing regularly and it’s therefore not easy to come in and suddenly be at top form when you’re not in that regular flow.

Nevertheless, this was all about trying to take an opportunity, and you have to be brutally honest in summarising that Hamilton did not on this occasion. Asked about it after, Carrick continues to plead for patience as he spoke pre-match about his excitement for the young forward’s future.

That’s important to remember in terms of his age and inexperience. Hamilton, who let’s not forget came through the academy and scored in the Champions League at Manchester City, is a prospect and shouldn’t be written off altogether.

But the evidence right now - and bearing in mind this was his opportunity to shine on his favoured right flank - is that he’s just not quite ready. He’s another player that Carrick is keen to keep this month rather than loan out - which given he’s effectively a bonus option as an under-21 player who doesn’t need to be registered makes some sense.

But in terms of Boro’s current squad, having sold Isaiah Jones to Luton Town and seeing Marcus Forss’ battles to stay fit over the last 18 months or so, it feels an increasingly potential risk for Boro and their promotion aspirations if they - taking Doak’s uncertain future out of the equation - rely too heavily on the Liverpool loanee and expect Hamilton to be able to step in and adequately cover for him when needed, based on the evidence of his current level. One for the future not to be written off most certainly, but still lacking for the here and now, it appears.

Next academy star to keep an eye on steps forward

Since arriving at the club over two years ago, Carrick has handed many academy players first-team opportunities - with that connection between first-team and academy feeling stronger than it has for a number of years.

Opportunities doesn’t always mean actually getting on the pitch though - with first-team training and being part of the match-day experience all helpful for the development of the potential stars of the future.

The latest to benefit from such was 16-year-old midfielder Bailey Palmer, who made the bench for the first time. Part of Boro’s under-18 squad alongside twin brother Anton, Bailey stepped into the first-team squad after registering two goals and an assist in five U18 appearances this season to catch the eye.

Touted by many as a star of the future, Palmer already looks physically advantaged for such a young age and a highlights-reel scouts report video showed a positive midfielder who has quality on the ball and likes to burst forward. His first-team breakthrough is likely to be a few years away yet, and too much pressure should not be put on his young shoulders. But it was exciting to see another emerging talent from the youth ranks, with Boro seemingly blessed with many future stars right now if they continue progressing at their current levels. Carrick is clearly keen to work closely with the academy.