MICHAEL Carrick has praised Dan Barlaser for his Middlesbrough displays in the absence of Hayden Hackney - with the head coach hoping the midfielder can shake off a knock picked up against West Brom in time to face his former club Rotherham on Boxing Day.

Barlaser was superb for Boro in Saturday's win over the Baggies and played a starring role in the decisive goal, picking out Lukas Engel, who crossed for Morgan Rogers to slot home.

It's almost a year since Barlaser swapped Rotherham for Boro and the 26-year-old has faced some frustrating spells in that time.

With Hackney and captain Jonny Howson having established themselves as Carrick's first choice midfield pair, Barlaser has had to bide his time. But injuries have presented the former Newcastle youngster with opportunities this season and he's started more than half of Boro's Championship games.

READ MORE:

"Dan has been playing well. He's been playing very well," said head coach Carrick.

"A lot of our good play has been going through him and Jonny and they're working together very well.

"He took a whack (against West Brom) so we'll have to see how he is for Rotherham.

"He was terrific. He can control the game so well from that position and speed up play and picks the moment to change the tempo and play the pass that makes the difference.

"He set up the goal. He has that clever pass in him where he puts Lukas in. I'm really pleased for Dan."