Since Michael Carrick’s arrival at Middlesbrough, the former Manchester United assistant has been eager to give youth a platform.
Hayden Hackney is a prime example, as is summer arrival Rav van den Berg, who is attracting interest from potential suitors.
The young duo have arguably been the standout performers this season at Riverside and certainly have bright futures ahead of them.
Boro have a plethora of talented players coming through the academy and we’ve selected three of the most likely to break into Carrick’s squad.
Sonny Finch
Sonny Finch will be a name familiar to many Middlesbrough fans thanks to his prolific goalscoring record with the under-21 set-up.
The 18-year-old has been sidelined for much of the season through injury but upon returning, he’s struck five goals in as many games in the Premier League 2.
Finch, who has been capped at youth level by England, was named on the senior bench against Blackburn Rovers on the weekend and could be nearing an appearance between now and the end of the season.
With Boro lacking real quality in their attacking ranks, the talented teenager may be a wildcard option worth using with play-offs still potentially in reach.
Fin Cartwright
Fin Cartwright became Middlesbrough’s second youngest-ever player when he made his debut against Huddersfield Town last August aged just 16 years and 161 days old.
Speaking after awarding him his debut, Carrick said: “Pretty much what you saw on the pitch tonight. I think the natural ability, he always looks like he’s got time on the ball and has trained with us a fair bit over pre-season.
“But I’m conscious of the age he’s at. He’s a great kid and he’s got great talent, so we want to try and get the best out of him.”
Cartwright, who has also represented England youth, is an attacking midfielder and can operate as a number eight.
Law McCabe
Law McCabe made his senior Middlesbrough debut back in November during a 4-0 demolition job of Preston North End.
The 17-year-old, like the aforementioned duo, is among the England youth set-up which evinces just how highly rated he is.
For Boro to have multiple academy players plying their trade for the young Three Lions is pretty remarkable and not something to be sniffed at.
McCabe, who can play at the base or the tip of the midfield, has netted twice whilst laying on four assists for the under-18s and 21s this term.