17 exciting young Middlesbrough prospects who could get a chance to shine in pre-season

Michael Carrick has proven himself willing to give young players their opportunity during his time in charge at Middlesbrough - and with pre-season around the corner, it's always a time where academy stars are given their chance to show what they might be capable of.

In total, Carrick has handed out eight first-team debuts to academy graduates since he arrived at Boro. He's explained how it's something he's particularly passionate about doing, while also appreciating it's part of the club's DNA - with Steve Gibson investing a lot each year into ensuring the club maintains its top-level Category 1 status.

With game time spread to reduce injury risk and the squad naturally a little smaller as players leave and signings are awaited, there are usually always chances for young players during summer friendlies as well as in training. Ahead of Boro's return to Rockliffe in the week commencing June 24, we take a look at the young players we'd expect might get chances this summer.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough's youth policy and the key factor for Michael Carrick to give an opportunity

Sol Brynn

The young goalkeeper returns this summer after two successful loan spells in the last two years. Though there is ample competition for the three keeper spots in the squad, big things are predicted for Brynn's future. Along with Zach Hemming, who is a year older but also an academy graduate, he's likely to get a shot this summer to showcase his ability.

Jack Hannah

The under-21 captain was slated for a big opportunity in pre-season last summer and though he didn't particularly do much wrong when he did play, the physical developing he still had to do was evident. Boro are well-stocked at centre-back but, now 21 and out of contract in 12 months, it feels like now or never for him at Boro.

Bryant Bilongo

Bilongo returns this summer after a successful half-season on loan at National League side Ebbsfleet. Helping them survive relegation with some impressive performances, he played a lot in a more advanced forward role but is a versatile defender by trade, capable of playing centre-back and left-back. It's a big jump from National League to Championship, but the experience can benefit players in different ways.

James Wilson

Signing his first pro contract last month, Wilson was handed his first-team debut from the bench in the final-day victory over Watford. A tall defender, he looks like he still has plenty of work to do on strengthening his body for the rigours of senior football. But clearly highly rated at Boro, we might see more of him this summer.

George Gitau

Having signed Luke Ayling while having Tommy Smith and Anfernee Dijksteel too, Boro are well-sticked at right-back - albeit with the latter likely to leave at some point over the summer. Gitau ended the season in fine form, however, with four goals in his last five games, which might prompt a closer look over the summer.

Terrell Agyemang

Agyemang joined Boro from Manchester City's academy last summer, but was always deemed a signing, initially at least, for the academy. As well as appearances for the under-21s, he had two separate loan spells at Hartlepool United. Capable of playing right-back and centre midfield, might his first-team experience have moved his development forward?

AJ Bridge

A 19-year-old midfielder on the fringes of the first-team at various points last season, he didn't ever actually debut, but made the first-team bench seven times in total. There's plenty of midfield talent in the Boro academy, but Bridge will no doubt hope for a little game time to show what he can do.

Yacou Traore

Another midfield talent, Traore was one of the early players to get a chance under Carrick when he featured in a friendly at Hibernian during the World Cup break in November 2022. Now 19, competition is high in midfield, but he'll hope to take his chance if offered.

Luke Woolston

Woolston was the other young midfielder who played that aforementioned Hibernian friendly early in Carrick's time at Boro. He's since had to overcome some injury troubles but remains highly rated at Boro and was named on the bench five times in the Championship last season.

Law McCabe

The current front-runner of the midfield talents emerging from the academy, McCabe was handed his full debut on the final day against Watford and, despite being just 18, slotted in seamlessly with a real calmness to his approach. Around the first-team for almost all of last season, big things are tipped after he won the club's Academy Scholar of the Year award and he'll hope to use pre-season to cement his first-team place.

Fin Cartwright

Handed his debut at Huddersfield in the first round of the Carabao Cup 16-year-old Cartwright was the second youngest Boro player behind Nathan Wood at the time. Given his tender years, Boro will no doubt want to protect another hugely prospective midfield talent, but we might see more of him this summer.

Pharrell Willis

The first academy player to earn a debut under Carrick, enigmatic wide man Willios has had a torrid time with injuries since that memorable night at Blackpool. Back to full fitness to end the season in good form for the under-21s though, Willis will be hoping he can impress again this summer.

Charlie Lennon

Signing his first pro contract in March, he was soon after awarded his debut from the bench at Cardiff City and he looked bright in his 16-minute cameo. He then ended his season with a hat-trick for the under-18s against Sunderland and another against Newcastle United.

Max Howells

Howells spent some time on loan at Whitby Town last season and has since signed a new 12-month deal to remain at the club next season. A versatile attacking midfielder who is slight in frame but not in talent, might his new deal prompt opportunities over the summer?

Sonny Finch

It's no secret that Finch is highly-rated by Carrick - with the versatile forward pretty much seen a first-team option now. But his season was blighted by injury, with surgery required early on and then minor tweaks affecting his impactful return. He'll hope to use the summer to get himself back on track.

Ajay Matthews

Ajay Matthews made his Boro debut towards the end of the season after a fine campaign for Boro's youth teams. The striker is prolific at youth level and being watched by many top clubs already. He has just 12 months remaining on his current Boro deal, but can recent opportunities be followed by more this summer to convince him to stay on Teesside for now?

Dan Nkrumah

Brought in from Leyton Orient last summer, Nkrumah is a well-built striker with first-team experience already at 20, albeit it at a far lower level. He's raw technique wise, but with physical attributes, Boro coaches might feel they can mould him into a future star.