AITOR KARANKA wanted some extra creativity and flair in his Middlesbrough squad before the end of the month and he has got his wish.

Gaston Ramirez has an abundance of ability, is capable of playing behind the striker or out wide, and will cause problems for Championship defences.

But how easy will it be for Karanka to throw him into his starting line-up?

On the evidence of Saturday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, easier than many people might have felt before the back-to-back reversals which led to them surrendering top spot.

The three man supply line to the lone striker of Albert Adomah, Stewart Downing and Cristhian Stuani has served Middlesbrough well over the last few months, but there has always been a lack of balance to it.

What the arrival of Ramirez will do is open up a number of further options, which Karanka had hinted his squad lacked when he was looking to his bench to improve things against Forest.

Adomah, predominantly right footed, could now play on the right;

Downing, one of the best left-footed wingers produced by this country in the last ten years, could start on the left;

Stuani, who clearly has an eye for goal and the ability to pop up in goalscoring positions, can compete for a role up front.

And then there is Ramirez, who could quite comfortably slot in to the No 10 role or be asked to switch positions.

Imagine if Middlesbrough could throw Ross McCormack into the mix if chairman Steve Gibson can engineer a deal with Fulham for the £10m-rated striker before next Monday night?

Ramirez is not renowned for his work-rate, which is surprising given how Karanka demands that from his players, but he should prove to be a good short-term addition to help the promotion push.

The 25-year-old, who cost £12m from Bologna three seasons ago, has not lit up St Mary’s with his performances but he should have a point to prove – and impressing on Teesside could lead to him getting another crack at the Premier League next season.

Karanka is still looking for further additions, but Ramirez has top-flight quality and if he can help Middlesbrough finally back to that level if the Uruguayan can adapt to the Championship quickly.