Michael Carrick is hopeful Tommy Conway will soon be back in training for Middlesbrough as he reaches the end stages of his rehabilitation at a good time for the club.

The striker suffered a hamstring injury on Boxing Day in the draw with Sheffield Wednesday and updates on his return to this point have been vague. Further adding to the significance of that, however, is the fact that Emmanuel Latte Lath is being strongly courted by MLS side Atlanta United.

The Boro boss was clear that he expects Latte Lath to be involved at Portsmouth this weekend, despite reports suggesting that a deal between Boro and Atlanta is progressing. Nevertheless, a Latte Lath exit this month at some stage is feeling increasingly likely and while Boro will be then looking to sign a replacement, a Conway return would also be a big boost for Boro.

READ MORE: Hull City boss Ruben Selles makes Ryan Giles admission amid Middlesbrough transfer talks

READ MORE: Tom Cannon and potential Latte Lath transfer replacements if he leaves Middlesbrough

Asked for an update, Carrick said: “Tommy is back on the grass finishing the end of his rehab. It won’t be this week that he’s back, but we’re hoping it won’t be too long after that. We’ll wait and see how the next week or two goes.”

Meanwhile, there were positive updates for Boro with this weekend's trip to Portsmouth in mind, with two important players in Luke Ayling and Aidan Morris back in contention. Unlikely for this weekend, but Seny Dieng is making progress on a return too, which might explain his posts on social media this week that got many supporters curious.

Carrick continued: “Aidan is back training and Luke is back training too. They’ve not had an awful lot of sessions between them yet, but they are back, so that’s a positive step for both of them. Seny has taken his training a step further as well, which is another positive. Gradually, it’s getting a little better."