MICHAEL CARRICK expects Sonny Finch to play an increasingly prominent role in the final eight games of Middlesbrough’s season now he has finally completed his recovery from an ankle injury.

Having made three substitute appearances under Carrick in the final two months of last season, Finch was expected to be challenging for a regular first-team squad place during the current campaign.

Instead, a series of ankle issues that eventually resulted a lengthy rehabilitation period have wrecked the 18-year-old forward’s season.

He was back on the bench for Saturday’s goalless draw with Blackburn though, and while he might have been an unused substitute at the Riverside, Carrick expects the youngster to get opportunities to impress before the end of the campaign.

“I’m delighted for Finchy,” said the Boro head coach. “He’s had a few issues with his ankle on and off for a period of time so we took the decision to try and get it sorted and be patient with him.

“We gave him a period of time to get back training, get fit, spend some time just getting himself back to his level and being really patient with him.

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“He’s playing and scoring goals now, that’s kind of what he does. He always finds a way to find the back of the net. It's great to see. The longer it goes, we’ll get him back around us as time goes on. But it’s great to see him back fit, he’s so young and he has his whole career ahead of him. There’s loads of time for him.”

Finch, who hails from Houghton-le-Spring, has been part of Boro’s academy set-up since Under-13s level and signed his first professional contract in August 2022.

He has represented England at both Under-17 and Under-18 level, and while he will have been understandably frustrated at his lack of involvement this term, Carrick feels overcoming adversity is an important part of any young player’s development.

“Unfortunately, there are times when it doesn’t go for you, whether that’s results, form, injuries or selection,” he said. “I always felt for me personally at the time, it’s not always pleasant, but you’re better for it, you learn and you learn about yourself.

“That’s certainly true of injuries, in some ways. Finchy will be glad to get the issue out of the way and feel pain-free again and feel better than he did before. He’ll be so much better for it.”