Boro’s teenage loan star Milos Veljkovic was “the best player on the pitch” against Ipswich, according to head coach Aitor Karanka.
The versatile Spurs midfielder replaced Kenneth Omeruo shortly after the hour mark at Portman Road, and caught the eye of the Boro boss.
The 19-year-old has had to be patient since arriving at the Riverside in October, and has been restricted to only two substitute appearances to date.
His Boro bow came during the 5-1 demolition of Millwall, and that was followed by a 30-minute cameo in Saturday’s defeat.
With Veljkovic’s loan deal set to expire next month, Karanka again refused to be drawn on whether the Serbian or Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman will be extending their stay on Teesside.
“I know what I want to do but I haven’t spoken to the players and I need to speak with them,” Karanka said.
“I am very happy with both of them. Jamal has been unlucky because he’s had a few injuries.
“I am very pleased with Milos. I felt he was the best player on the pitch in the last game.
“He went onto the pitch at a difficult time and he showed everyone he is a mature player, even though he is only 19 years old.”
With Blackman’s only Boro appearance coming in the Capital One Cup shootout defeat to Liverpool, his future on Teesside appears far from certain.
But Karanka’s recent praise for Veljkovic could suggest he has a part to play at Boro, if Spurs agree to an extension.
The Serbian’s stay in the North-east could depend on the return of Rhys Williams, who will provide Boro with another option in the central positions.
The Australian has been out since January with a serious Achilles injury.
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