Michael Carrick doesn't believe picking who to start at right-back for Middlesbrough right now is a 'tough' decision, because he feels he wins either way.

Luke Ayling started the season as Boro's first-choice right-back and will be desperate to return to the side this evening as he returns to Elland Road, where he spent eight years of his career. A Leeds United legend, the decision to start main competition Anfernee Dijksteel on Friday evening appeared to be a means of protecting Ayling for his emotional return.

However, Dijksteel may have put a spanner in the works of such plans. He was excellent at Turf Moor and scored the goal which ensured Boro left Burnley with a credible draw. It continues what has been a fine season for the Suriname international, who has stepped up to play a lot more football this term than in Carrick's previous two seasons in charge.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick makes Middlesbrough promotion admission but won't change mentality in the race

READ MORE: Leeds United 3-1 Middlesbrough HIGHLIGHTS as Boro are defeated at Elland Road

Asked about the decision of who to play tonight, Carrick said: “It’s difficult in many ways but the other side of it is that they are both playing very well and great options. The tougher call is when you’re limited with your options and you’ve got two bad options, that’s a tougher place to be in.

"I think we’ve got two good options. Who knows, they’ll both play some part possibly during the game anyway, so it’s one we’ve got to make but they are both doing really well so it’s a really positive situation to be in.”

Dijksteel has been in fine form this season and coped excellently with Burnley's attacking threats on Friday, as well as scoring his goals. Many feel that moves him ahead of Ayling in the pecking order, with the 33-year-old not quite yet recapturing his form of last season that earned him a two-year contract at the Riverside in the summer. While Ayling maintains the trust of his manager on Teesside, Carrick is understandably delighted with Dijksteel's form.

“We’re really pleased with Anf," the Boro boss continued. "He’s playing well for us for some time now. He’s played some and obviously Luke has played some as well. It’s good to have the options and have the decision to have to make for good reasons, which is that the boys are playing well. There are a lot of games, so the boys know to stay ready for it.”