HAVING agreed a new deal with Tommy Smith earlier this week, Middlesbrough officials are also involved in discussions over Jonny Howson’s contractual situation, with Michael Carrick fully aware of the importance of the club’s senior players.

Smith signed a new two-year contract to ensure he would not reach the end of his previous deal in the summer, but as things stand, Howson is still due to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign.

The 34-year-old was in the same position at an identical stage of last season, and did not end up agreeing a new deal until well into the summer break, but Carrick is keen to avoid as much uncertainty as possible as he prepares for his first summer transfer window in management.

Howson remains an extremely influential member of Boro’s first team – he has made more Championship starts this season than any other Middlesbrough player – and talks over his future are ongoing.

“We’re planning ahead,” said Carrick, who takes his side to the Hawthorns on Saturday to take on West Brom. “I think that showed through the January window with what we were trying to do, too.

“We were trying to plan ahead and have a clear plan. Obviously, we know where we want to be at the end of the season and beyond, so we’re dealing with that (Howson’s contract position) as we go along.

“There’s stuff going on behind the scenes, and that’s just part of planning for the short term, and also for the longer term as we build too. That’s work that we’re doing constantly anyway.”

Boro’s long-term ambition is to increase the number of younger players within the squad and develop a transfer strategy that will prioritise the purchase of emerging talents who can be developed within the first-team squad.

However, within that overarching template, there will always be a need for experienced senior campaigners setting the standards within the senior group and acting as role models for the younger players to follow.

Carrick saw the value of an experienced core at both West Ham and Manchester United, and is delighted to have inherited a squad containing the likes of Howson, Smith, Darragh Lenihan, Paddy McNair and Matt Crooks.

“To build something, you need a foundation,” said the Boro boss. “You need stability, both in terms of the club itself and the messages from us as a coaching staff, and then you need the foundation of a group of players you can rely on, and who trust and look after each other.

“Senior players are important in that. I’ve been fortunate enough to have good examples of that, from my early days at West Ham through to United. I know how important it is for younger players to have that.

“We’re blessed with that. I’m very lucky to have the number of senior players we do, who are really good examples for the rest of the group here. It’s vital that we work with them, and use their knowledge. I know how powerful that can be.”

Smith’s new contract ensures he will remain a key member of the first-team group for the next couple of seasons, with the 30-year-old having established himself as Boro’s first-choice right-back under Carrick.

“Tommy’s been fantastic,” said the Boro boss. “He’s a big part of the group, and a big part of what we do. He’s one of the senior players, and we’re fortunate enough to have a really good group of senior players here.

“They’re a great example to the younger boys within the group, and Tommy is definitely one of those. His performances over the last few weeks have gone up a level again. He’s a big part of what we do, so I’m delighted he’s committed. We’re delighted to have him, and he’s delighted to be here and looking forward to what’s ahead.”