MICHAEL Carrick admits it's possible that summer signing Alex Gilbert will head out on loan this month.

Gilbert joined Boro from Brentford B in the summer but has so far played just 31 minutes of Championship football and only 18 minutes in the Carabao Cup.

With Boro set to confirm the arrival of Finn Azaz from Aston Villa, Carrick's options will be further bolstered in the attacking midfield department. Boro are well stocked in that area with Isaiah Jones, Morgan Rogers, Sam Greenwood and Matt Crooks all playing key roles this season. Riley McGree and Sammy Silvera will add to Carrick's options when they're back from international duty and Marcus Forss is still to return from injury.

With Gilbert well down the pecking order as things stand, a loan move is a possibility this month for the 22-year-old.

"Maybe," admitted Carrick.

"Listen, we have got good options and it's what certain players need at certain stages.

"At the moment Alex is a big part of the group, in and around it and looking to play a big part and as the window goes on we'll make a call on that."

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Carrick is delighted with the imminent capture of Azaz, who has been a long-term target for Boro.

He said: “I hope it shows the benefits of all the planning work.

"There is obviously a lot of groundwork before signing a player. It’s all well and good having the plan, but you still then need things to fall into place.

"Sometimes it’s dangerous to make a last-minute or knee-jerk decision. It’s not always easy to do that [and get it right]. We do try to be a little bit ahead. I’m not saying we’ll get everything right, we’ll try to, and we’ll try to give ourselves the best chance. We’re happy with the way the window has started anyway."