A Middlesbrough player was in international action on Tuesday evening and made history with his appearance.
Boro are back in action later this week with a meeting against Bristol City on Saturday, October 19th.
Prior to that, Middlesbrough saw 11 of their players selected to represent their nation during this month’s international break.
The likes of Liverpool loanee Ben Doak, Aidan Morris and Riley McGree have all been in national-team action over the last week or so.
Star boy Hayden Hackney was also once again called up to represent England at U21 level alongside ex-Boro man, Morgan Rogers.
However, Hackney withdrew from international duty due to injury and has since returned to the Riverside Stadium.
While Michael Carrick is now sweating the fitness of the Englishman, another Middlesbrough man was in action on Tuesday evening and earned some high praise from the media while also making history for his country.
Middlesbrough star Ben Doak made history for Scotland vs Portugal
The man in question is Doak, who was once again called up for Scotland during the current break.
Scotland were in UEFA Nations League action on October 15th, facing off with Portugal at Hampden Park.
The tie ended 0-0 – a fairly positive result for Steve Clarke’s men – and the national media have since reacted to Doak’s display.
GiveMeSport gave Doak a 5 out of 10 for his display after he made history by becoming the youngest Scotland player to start consecutive games for them.
They wrote: “The prodigy became the youngest Scotland player to start consecutive games for the national team, and he did well enough at times against one of the world’s best fullbacks in Joao Cancelo.
“His time will come with more experience, but it is nights like this when he will learn what it is like to play top opposition.”
Elsewhere, The Scotsman also gave the Boro loanee a 5 out of 10.
They wrote: “Had two neat dribble early on in both halves, but was largely quiet and unable to showcase his unique talents as Portugal dominated the bulk of possession.
“Only touched the ball nine times in the first-half and his poor ball to Bruno Fernandes almost cost Scotland dear. Replacing by Lewis Morgan with just over 20 minutes to go.”
Finally, The National awarded Doak a 7 out of 10 and labelled him ‘positive’.
They wrote: “The teenage protege showed no shortage of confidence by running at Antonio Silva and Joao Cancelo regularly when given the opportunity to get on the ball.
“The winger played his defence into trouble with a tippy-tappy pass inside, but the Portuguese couldn’t capitalise on the situation right after half-time.
“Probably came inside too often rather than looking to go round the outside to the by-line, but another positive showing from the young man.”
Ben Doak time at Middlesbrough so far
Doak did not join Middlesbrough until deadline day in August and did not feature in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City.
But the winger has since started in Boro’s last three Championship fixtures and has been one of their best players in said ties.
Doak has already won a starting berth on the right ahead of Isaiah Jones and big things are expected of the Liverpool man this weekend against Bristol.