Like those who've been in the Middlesbrough dugout before him, Michael Carrick had a decision to make when it came to Paddy McNair's best position.

But after a "good chat" with the Northern Ireland international, the head coach and McNair quickly settled on centre-half.

And McNair did his chances no harm with a strong showing in the friendly win at Hibernian on Saturday, the only Boro man to complete the full 90 minutes and described by his boss as the best player on the pitch.

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McNair has been a pivotal player for Boro in the four and a half years since joining from Sunderland but his versatility has meant the 27-year-old has been shifted around the pitch, playing in midfield as well as in defence.

Carrick experienced that himself as a player and after his appointment was keen to nail McNair down to one role as soon as possible, the pair quickly deciding on using the ex-Manchester United man in the centre of defence.

"I think that's where he feels comfortable and wants to play," said Carrick.

"I had a good chat with Paddy and I thought he was terrific today, probably the best player throughout the game with his passing from the back and composure on the ball. He played right side, left side and looked confident and composed on the ball which was good.

“I think it’s just about nailing a position for Paddy, and training in a position where it’s clear for you. Mentally, it’s not easy swap positions and chop and change at times. He’s played in central midfield at times and he’s played at the back. I’ve done that myself and it’s not always easy to do.

McNair's next challenge is to break into the Boro team. Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan have both impressed at the heart of Boro's backline in recent weeks and McNair hasn’t played a minute in the league under Carrick so far, but his display at Easter Road will give the head coach the type of team selection dilemma he wants when Championship play resumes.

Carrick said: "Competition for places is what we want. The boys who have been playing have been great and the ones that are behind have to push them and try and step in front, so it was good that everyone played their part today.

"Like a lot of the players, you just want to give the lads their chance and want them to express themselves and do what they’re good at. I thought Paddy did that, he was really good."

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