MICHAEL Carrick has hailed Luke Ayling for his impact in the Middlesbrough dressing room since joining on loan from Leeds United - but insists he's not yet thinking about the defender's future as decision time fast approaches.

Ayling is set to become a free agent in the summer when his contract at Elland Road expires and the full-back is making a strong case to earn a permanent deal at the Riverside after a string of impressive displays.

The 32-year-old has been key in helping Carrick's side keep six clean sheets in their last seven games ahead of tonight's crucial trip to face rivals Hull City - and has been equally as influential behind the scenes.

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Carrick said: "He's done very well and settled really quickly. He obviously hadn’t played a lot before he came in.

"He added a bit of personality and character to the group and that kind of seen it, knows what it takes to have success in this league experience. That’s important to have and we wanted to add that ingredient to the group. He’s done very well.

“Experience is vital when used in the right way and a positive way. These situations that we find ourselves in now, you’ve got to embrace it and don’t put anything else on it to what’s needed. It is what it is. You play to be involved in games that do matter, and this one certainly does."

Boro will have the opportunity to snap Ayling up on a free transfer in the summer but Carrick insists that's not something he's giving much thought as things stand

On Ayling's performances and future, he said: “There’s always things you can do better and always things that you’re doing well. That’s just how it is.

"In my mind, he’s certainly not up on stage or the shop window in terms of judging him like that [with a future contract in mind].

"All of the players in that group at this moment are our players, whether they’re on loan or not, however long they have left on their contract or whatever it is. At this moment in time, he’s our player and we’ll definitely look to make the most of that."