LONDON, CMC – Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has praised Reggae Boy prospect Cameron Archer’s contribution to the club’s Premier League promotion push but admitted he was unsure about the on-loan Aston Villa forward’s future.
The 21-year-old attacker, who qualifies to represent Jamaica through his mother, has scored ten goals and logged six assists for Boro since arriving at the Riverside in January.
Middlesbrough lies fourth in the Championship on 74 points, all but assured of a playoff spot in their bid to return to the Premier League for the first time in six years.
“I don’t know,” Carrick said when asked about Archer’s role at Middlesbrough beyond the present loan contract.
“At this moment in time, I’m not sure. It’s never straightforward anyway, especially with younger players at that age.
“Loans, permanents, leagues, there’s a lot to fall into place; we’ll just have to assess that as and when we get to the summer.”
Archer enjoyed an explosive start to life at the Riverside when he scored in only his third start in Boro’s 3-1 win over Cardiff before netting a double in the next outing in the club’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United.
He has since gone on to notch two more braces – against Preston last month in a 4-0 win and against Norwich a fortnight ago in a 5-1 thrashing.
“Cam has done great. He’s fitted in well in and around the group, as all the boys have,” said Carrick, who took over the reins of the squad last October.
“He loves scoring goals; you can see that. He loves his finishing and shooting. He loves scoring goals.
“On top of that, he’s unselfish with the way he plays with his movements and bringing other players into play. That’s been the beauty of our forward player, spreading the joy if you like.”
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