McGree came off the bench for the final quarter of Saturday’s Championship defeat at Millwall, the midfielder’s first taste of action since the win over Hull City on New Year’s Day.
McGree suffered an injury in January which forced the 26-year-old to miss 12 Championship games, the latest setback in what has been a frustrating season for the left midfielder.
But Boro were boosted by McGree’s return on the bench for the crucial home win over Oxford late last month. However, McGree was an unused substitute for three games before his late cameo against Millwall – and Carrick has now explained why.
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“Riley is just getting back to full fitness really,” said Boro’s head coach.
“He’s been back training with us, we just wanted to make sure he was fully right.
“He kind of came back into the squad at a time when he hadn’t really started fully training.
“He was just getting back in and around it with eyes towards a big end to the season. That’s kind of where we’re at now. It’s good to have him back because he’s an important part of us.”
McGree was certainly an important player for Boro two seasons ago, when he starred as Carrick’s side narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
He started just 14 of 46 Championship games last term because of various injury setbacks, and has been in the starting XI on just 11 occasions so far this season.
But Carrick says McGree can still be influential for Boro moving forward as the winger looks to force his way back into the starting XI ahead of four crunch games in the battle to quality for the play-offs.
“I think he’s been influential since then [2022/23 season],” said Carrick.
“As a player, it always continues, it always evolves. It’s always about what’s next, never looking back.
“We take a lot in terms of knowing what the boys are about and capable of, having seen it. But it’s always about what’s next, who’s in a good place, who is hungry for more.
“We’re always looking at how can we improve the players a bit more? What have they got left to fulfil their potential. All that kind of stuff. It’s always what’s next; looking forward.
“That’s the world really, everything is now, now, what’s next. It’s the same for the players.”
