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Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka says wantaway Gaston Ramirez will be handed key role after coming back into the fold

Gaston Ramirez will be handed a key role in Middlesbrough's dual bid for Premier League survival and FA Cup glory after being welcomed back into the fold.

The 26-year-old Uruguay international stunned the Teessiders last month when he handed in a transfer request with champions Leicester hot on his trail.

However, chairman Steve Gibson and head coach Aitor Karanka stood firm and Ramirez, who played 33 minutes as a substitute in last weekend's 0-0 draw with Everton on his return, remained at the Riverside Stadium as the transfer window closed.

Gaston Ramirez will be handed a key role in Middlesbrough's bid for survival and FA Cup glory
Gaston Ramirez will be handed a key role in Middlesbrough's bid for survival and FA Cup glory
Aitor Karankau00a0insists he will show his full appreciation of Ramirez in actions rather than words
Aitor Karanka insists he will show his full appreciation of Ramirez in actions rather than words

The pair sat down to discuss the situation in the wake of a torrid few weeks, but Karanka, who sends his side into FA Cup fifth-round battle with League One Oxford on Saturday, insists he will show his full appreciation of the South American in his actions rather than his words.