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Michael Carrick has revealed Ben Doak could be back in training next week as the Liverpool loanee takes a step closer to returning from injury.

The Scotland international hasn’t played in a month for Middlesbrough due to a thigh issue, stalling what has been an excellent campaign so far.

There is understandably real desire for Doak to return to the team immediately but Carrick said fans need to remain patient despite the team dropping from fifth to 13th during his spell on the sidelines.



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He’s not too far away now, so that’s good.”

Doak’s form has been so impressive for Middlesbrough this season that he was linked with a mid-season permanent move to Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.

There have been renewed reports in recent days that the former will return with an offer for the Liverpool protegee this summer.

“He’s got that weapon and unique threat,” Carrick said in January after confirming Doak would remain with Middlesbrough until the end of the season.

“The way he plays the game, everyone has their own strengths, but the way Ben plays the game, he’s always in the game and always a threat.

Despite the poor run of form the side sits just seven points off the play-off places and Boro could reduce that gap when it plays its game in hand on Tuesday night.