Ben Doak set to be unleashed as Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick reveals plan for Liverpool and Scotland starlet

Michael Carrick has vowed to let Scotland talent Ben Doak off the leash today in Middlesbrough's derby showdown with Sunderland.

The on-loan Liverpool starlet is in line to make his first start for Boro since joining last month after being used as a sub in his debut against Preston North End. Scotland boss Steve Clarke has urged caution with the 18-year-old winger, who made his full international debut against Poland in the Nations League showdown.

But Boro boss, former Manchester United and England midfielder Carrick, is ready to use his explosive pace in the English Championship match. Carrick said: "Ben’s ready, definitely. He’s fit and raring to go. He’s young but he has an older head than his age suggests and he’s desperate to get started and be part of it.

"It’s fantastic for us. Patience again, I keep saying, in terms of him hitting his peak level with the stage that he’s at in terms of settling in and getting game time, there’s no issue or anything holding him back at this stage. You’ve got to believe and back yourself and there’s plenty ahead for Ben to settle in and hit the ground running this season.”

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We've also entered the world of WhatsApp with our Rangers community and Celtic community up and running. Follow NOW to get your club's latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone.