Doak dazzled for Boro in the first half of the Championship season but hasn’t played for Michael Carrick’s side since the end of January after he suffered a thigh injury in training.
The injury ended up requiring surgery and although Carrick refused to completely rule out the prospect of Doak returning before the end of the season, it always felt unlikely.
Since the surgery, Doak has been back at his parent club Liverpool receiving treatment. But he returned to the Riverside on Saturday to watch Boro’s 0-0 draw with Norwich and joined the players on the pitch after the game for the lap of appreciation.
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He then took to social media afterwards, writing on Instagram: “Not the way I wanted to finish this season off through injury but what a time I’ve had here.
“Thanks to all the players, staff and fans at Middlesbrough for making my time at the club as good as it was.
“I will be forever grateful and wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the future. UTB.”
Boro won the fierce battle to sign Doak last summer and the Scotland international was one of the best performers in the Championship in the first half of the season.
That led to Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Ipswich trying to sign Doak on a permanent deal in January. Liverpool rejected their offers and were happy for the Scotland international to see out the season at Boro.
But the teenager hasn’t played a single minute since after suffering his injury.
Boro have lost eight of their 16 league games since Doak’s last appearance for the club.
