IT takes a lot for a teenager to mark himself out as a talismanic figure at a club with aspirations of reaching the Premier League.

Middlesbrough loanee Ben Doak, who only turns 19 on Monday, is showing signs of being just that player for Boro, with his importance to the promotion cause already clear to see after signing on a season-long loan from Liverpool.

Without Doak, Boro's wings were clipped in last weekend's 3-0 home loss to Coventry City.

The Scottish international returned to the starting line-up following injury on Tuesday and his impact was obvious as he terrorised QPR's defence at times in Boro's handsome win.

Queens Park Rangers' Ilias Chair (right) and Middlesbrough's Ben Doak battle for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match at the MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium. Photo: John Walton/PA Wire.

placeholder image — Queens Park Rangers' Ilias Chair (right) and Middlesbrough's Ben Doak battle for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match at the MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium. Photo: John Walton/PA Wire.

The likes of Norwich City and Sheffield United can also vouch for the danger of Doak, who has rapidly become a crowd favourite in his time on Teesside with his pace, directness, trickery and old-fashioned wing-play.

Boro chief Michael Carrick said: "He's at an age where he's desperate to do well and improve.

"With his attributes, we can see what he brings with how he plays the game. I thought it was something that would suit us, in playing in a team like us and hopefully it would suit him.

"It seemed to be a good match."

On how the club were alerted to Doak's potential availability, Carrick, whose side are seeking to atone for recent disappointing Saturday home setbacks to Coventry and Bristol City, added: "It was just over time, really.

"I don't know the exact date. It was being aware and hearing things about him. We were looking to see what popped up in the summer, sometimes it's planned, sometimes it's not.

"When the opportunity arose, we tried to make the best of it and we're delighted to have him. He's done great and settled in really well.

"He's still so young and learning and developing physically as much as anything.

"We've still got to be careful with him, but we're enjoying watching him at the moment. You can see he's playing with a lot of confidence and looks really dangerous.

"It's not an exact science by any stretch (loan players). You feel if you are going to bring in players on loan, you want them to make an impact in the right areas and do it in the right way.

"There's so many things that come together in a young players' development and the two clubs in what is right for everyone concerned. We feel we have done that so far (with Doak)."