"He's going to have to deal with it" - Michael Carrick drops Ben Doak claim as Middlesbrough march on | OneFootball

The Scot was brought down in the area in Middlesbrough's demolition of Oxford United.

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick believes Ben Doak is being targeted by opposition players due to his impressive performances for the club.

Doak joined Boro in the summer on a season-long loan from high-flying Liverpool, with the Scot keen to make an impact at the Riverside Stadium.

Since his arrival, the 19-year-old has secured his place in Carrick's starting eleven and has played a key part in Middlesbrough's rise to fifth in the table.

Ben Doak a marked man in the Championship

Boro inflicted a 6-2 demolition job on Oxford United on Saturday, stretching their winning streak to three successive matches.

Although Doak did not contribute a goal or an assist, the Scottish international played a starring role in his side's emphatic win at the Kassam Stadium.

The winger was cleaned out in the area by Elliott Moore, which led to a penalty kick for the away side. Carrick was not surprised that Doak was on the receiving end of the challenge and expects him to be further targeted as the season progresses.

Speaking after the victory, Carrick said: "Ben is going to be a marked man now, and he's going to have to deal with it," as per The Mirror.

"I thought it wasn't a great tackle on him for the penalty – it could have been a red card – but I'm not going to complain about it. But luckily he's all right. We know what the boy is capable of, and it's exciting, there's no getting away from it.

"It's just really enjoyable watching the team perform at the moment, seeing them express themselves and getting their rewards for it. Ben Doak's playing really well."

Middlesbrough evolving into Championship promotion candidates

Middlesbrough are on a rampant roll at the moment and look a daunting prospect for any Championship opposition.

The Teeside club have been on a goal-scoring mission in recent weeks, hitting four against Queens Park Rangers and five against Luton Town.

Boro's dismantling of their last three opposition means they have amassed 16 goals in their last three games. They are now the joint third-highest scoring team in the division, behind only Sunderland and Leeds United.

It seems that Carrick's side are now getting their just rewards for their fine attacking play. Earlier in the season, results did not reflect performances, but everything is coming together for the Championship outfit.

Along with Doak, Finn Azaz and Emmanuel Latte Lath have caught the eye with their attacking flair, with both playing the best football of their career.

If Boro can continue their ruthlessness in front of goal, then they will be a tough side to stop. Their resolve will certainly be tested as they face Burnley, Leeds and Millwall in the coming weeks.

Doak has shown why he is on the books of such an illustrious football club, with some significant performances in the red of Boro this season.

The foul he drew against Oxford was a sign of things to come, but if they all lead to penalties, then the winger will welcome them with open hands.