Middlesbrough welcome top-two chasing Leeds United to the Riverside Stadium on Monday evening.
The Teessiders are out of the playoff race despite a valiant effort in recent weeks, which has seen them go on a run of nine games without defeat, winning five of them.
So in the remaining three Championship games, with nothing riding on it, Michael Carrick should bed some of his young talent in and see how they fare.
One ‘bright’ talent has featured on the bench over the last few months and should be handed his big break against Leeds.
Michael Carrick should hand Law McCabe his full debut
Law McCabe has already made two senior appearances for Middlesbrough, despite only being 17.
The 2006-born playmaker has been making noise in the academy, having registered seven goal contributions in 20 appearances this term.
His glowing performances were rewarded with a call-up to the England under-18s last September, making his debut in a cameo appearance against France.
Carrick, speaking after handing him his Boro debut back in December, heaped praise on his character.
“It’s great for him and he’s trained for us a lot so it’s great he’s made his debut. I don’t want to put loads on his shoulders though because he is a young boy just making his way in the game. He’s learning and the biggest thing for me is his attitude, personality and character are spot on,” the 42-year-old said.
“He’s a humble lad who works hard and listens. He does all the right things and that gives him the best chance to have a good future.”
Carrick continued: “He’s certainly got attributes and ability to do that. He’s got to be patient too though, take it step by step because it’s a long road, but certainly he’s making good progress at the moment.”
With Leeds fast approaching, the Middlesbrough boss should think seriously about starting him, particularly as there is little pressure on the game.
Middlesbrough have a number of gems coming through
McCabe isn’t the only rising star coming through the Middlesbrough academy, they’ve got a plethora of talented players ready to make the grade.
Sonny Finch is a player fans will be familiar with having struck six goals in seven outings in the Premier League 2 this season.
Fin Cartwright is another, having made his debut back in August, becoming the club’s second youngest-ever player aged 16 years and 161 days old.
However, it must be noted, that with all young players, they need time to mature and develop in the right environment.
They can’t be rushed, so Carrick and his coaches will need to manage them accordingly.
