Carrick's success as Boro manager – five wins and a draw in eight games – has been based around a very settled side but the stepping up of the programme over the festive period was always going to test that.

Defender Dijksteel missed the Boxing Day win over Wigan Athletic and former Leeds United midfielder Howson went off at half-time.

Boro go to Ewood Park on Thursday looking to end a largely disappointing year on a high. Captain Howson will hope he can preserve his record of starting every Championship game this season to lead the way.

INJURY DOUBT: Middlesbrough captain Jonny Howson

“Jonny is all right," said Carrick. "He took a bang but it was actually more his neck actually than his head. It was a pain in his neck/top of the back which we hope he will be able to shrug off.

"He definitely feels better. We will see.

"The positive is it isn’t a head issue, it was more neck going into the shoulder. We’re looking good apart from that."

Former Leeds and Barnsley midfielder Mowatt replaced Howson on Monday and should be ready to do so again if needs be.

But the news on Dijksteel was less encouraging.

"He’s had a bad knee over Christmas after slipping out on the pitch and twisting his knee," revealed Carrick. “I think we’re looking at four or five weeks before we have him back.”

Last six games: Blackburn Rovers LLWLLD; Middlesbrough WLWWWDW

Referee: L Doughty (Lancashire)

Last time: Blackburn Rovers 1 Middlesbrough 0, January 24, 2022, Championship

Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough: Jonny Howson given concussion all-clear