TONY Mowbray is a good judge when it comes to Premier League loanees shining in the Championship.

Under the watch of the Teessider, Manchester United's Amad Diallo dazzled for Sunderland and he played a key role in the development of Harvey Elliott when he was in charge at Blackburn.

Premier League loanees can be game-changers at the top end of the Championship and it's Boro who appear to have the pick of the bunch this season in Ben Doak, a "special player", says Mowbray.

Mogga watched on from the dugout as Doak curled in a brilliant second goal for Boro against his West Brom side on Tuesday night and has previously been thrilled by the Scotland international as a spectator in the stands at the Riverside.

It was this week confirmed that the cut-off for Liverpool to recall Doak this month has now passed, and Mowbray says Boro deserve immense credit for their handling of the teenager.

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"Going out to play week in, week out where a manager encourages young players, there are huge benefits," he says.

"What is Ben Doak worth now? What was he worth before he came here and what's he worth now? It's huge credit to the football club that he's been given the license to go and do what he does.

"He scored a great goal tonight. Every game I've watched he's probably been their most productive player.

"All the goals that gets scored where he skins the full-back and cuts it back and somebody rams it in, or he scores himself. He scored at the back stick against Sheffield Wednesday.

"He's a special talent. He's a good footballer. It's an important one that Middlesbrough keep him."

Mowbray is, however, intrigued by what happens in the future with Doak. As much as Liverpool have high hopes for the 19-year-old, they also currently have Mo Salah in their ranks on the right side of the attack.

But Salah's future remains unclear, with his current currently due to expire at the end of the season.

Mowbray said: "For the kid, I'm sure him and his advisor are thinking is Mo Salah going off to where Mo Salah might be going.

"He plays in the same position. Is he going to take Mo Salah's place at Liverpool or are Liverpool going to take £20 or £30m for him from a Brighton or a Crystal Palace or whoever. And they go in for a world star somewhere else.

"We'll just have to wait and see, but the kid is a very talented individual."