Michael Carrick has said there are “definitely opportunities” for Alex Gilbert to contribute for Middlesbrough across the rest of the season.
The attacking midfielder has been sidelined for most of the season with fitness issues but has been given chances in recent weeks from the substitute bench as a reliever for current first-choice Finn Azaz.
Carrick Rubbishes Loan Talk
Azaz has been a standout performer for Boro so far this season, with six goals and eight assists in 21 Championship appearances. He joined the club in January of this year from Plymouth Argyle, making 42 appearances. That is already double what Gilbert has racked up so far at The Riverside Stadium, having joined six months prior from Brentford.
He played in three games earlier this season prior to his injury, playing the full ninety in both of their EFL Cup games against Leeds United and Stoke City.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, Carrick was confident that the 22-year-old had plenty to contribute to the club this season and addressed a question of if a loan move was possible.
“Alex has just had an unfortunate run with his injury.
“He had a good impact at the start of the season when he played some games and came off the bench. He looked really promising, then had a setback. I’m pleased with Alex.
“He’d like to have played more in the time he’s been here but he’s definitely moving in the right direction.
“There’s definitely opportunities for him to play here. There’s no reason why not.”
Writer’s View
Alex Gilbert is still a young player and will have plenty of chances to develop in the future but it does feel like a loan move may be the best course of action here. Finn Azaz looks near undroppable in his current form as does many of the current attacking lineup at the club. The decision not to let him go temporarily seems to be motivated by a need to rotate players which is understandable with the schedule across this winter period. However, with Emmanuel Latte Lath and Isaiah Jones both linked with moves away, he could move into a more pivotal role come the end of January.
