Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is considering his team selection for Saturday’s match against Stoke City. He intends to utilize his “tremendous squad” during this vital week.

After Stoke, Boro will face Championship leaders West Brom on Tuesday night, followed by a trip to Watford next Saturday for the international break.

It would be surprising if Carrick chose an unchanged side against Stoke following the defeat to Sunderland, given that Boro failed to register a single shot on target in the second half at the Stadium of Light.

Boro’s boss has alternatives.

Ben Doak is returning from two bench appearances, Riley McGree is healthy again after being an unused substitute in the last two games, while Delano Burgzorg and Micah Hamilton are also available to Carrick.

Boro’s defence will also benefit from Rav van den Berg’s comeback in the next week. It is unclear if the Dutchman will return to the squad against Stoke, but Carrick said on Thursday that the 20-year-old is in contention after ramping up his training following a disappointing period on the sidelines.

“That’s the beauty of the squad that we’ve got – we’ve got options,” Carrick told the crowd.

“This week, we have a three-week game and three significant games. Without a doubt, the squad will play a role throughout that time.

“I think we have a fantastic group, although with a few injuries right now.

“Do you ever have the strongest team throughout the course of a season? It is more about moving from game to game and adapting and rotating properly. Each game is ideal for a certain type of person.

“We have a tremendously talented group, and whomever is fit, I believe in them. I believe the performances demonstrate that belief is valid, regardless of who played. We only need to discover the next modest step. Finally, it is the big step.

Carrick spoke extensively in his news conference on Thursday about his optimism that Boro’s performances will improve following a disappointing start to the season.

The head coach loves what he’s seen from his players and reckons Boro will “find a way” to overcome the challenge of opponents who set out to frustrate.

Although Boro would want to have more than eight points, they are in a far better position than they were at this time last year, when they went winless for seven games to begin the season.

Carrick stated, “Sitting in the position I’m in as a coach, trying to encourage the players to perform at a specific level to get results over time, I think we’re looking for signals and positive notes within that, which we hope will eventually yield great outcomes.

“I recognize that some will consider the points insufficient. I got it. Last season was considerably bad at this point.

“At that point, I continued stating that I thought we were accomplishing a lot of excellent things. I dislike repeating myself, but that was the situation, and we expected to reap the benefits over time.

“In the end, it was insufficient for where we intended to go. But I’m sure throughout the course of the season, it’s the belief that comes from what your eyes and instincts tell you.

“If I don’t like the appearance of some items, the players will know. We can’t keep saying everything is perfect when it isn’t. However, when it is, you must take that belief and find a means to get compensated for it.

“In the end, we reward ourselves through our work, our performance levels and making that difference when chances and opportunities come along.”

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk