AARON Ramsey isn't fit enough to go straight into the Middlesbrough squad, but Michael Carrick says it won't be long before the Aston Villa loanee is ready to play his part in the second half of the season.

Ramsey, who will wear the No.11 shirt on Teesside, had surgery on a knee problem in December after returning to Villa from Norwich City but Carrick says it will only be a matter of days before the young forward is ready to join Boro training.

And the head coach has told of his joy at landing the 20-year-old in the final hours of the window.

Carrick has already seen Ramsey up-close this season, with the youngster having played for Norwich against Boro in November in what proved to be his last game for the Canaries.

“We’re delighted with AJ, we’ve been tracking him for a number of weeks even thought it came up quite late in the window," said Carrick.

"He went back to Villa from Norwich after an issue and he’s been building back to fitness, so we’ve been monitoring him and we’re delighted to get him in.

"He caused us problems when we played against Norwich at Carrow Road. He can play between the lines as a 10 or in and around the pockets off the side. He’s a really dangerous young talent and we’re delighted that he’s come and delighted to work with him and help him develop as well."

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The immediate focus is on getting Ramsey back to full fitness and up to speed, though Carrick insists there's no rush.

He said “He’s not far off being ready. He won’t be immediately, but he won’t be far off. Hopefully it’s a matter of days before he’s in and around the group. There is no pressure on him to be fit and hit the ground at 100mph at all; we don’t want to put that pressure on him.

"But we’re delighted to have him and we’re looking forward to having him part of the group as soon as we can. He’s definitely chomping at the bit to get involved with the boys and play a big part."