Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick said teenage winger Ben Doak "needs managing", defending his decision to substitute the 18-year-old in his side's last game against Norwich City.
Boro had been leading the match 3-1, but conceded two late goals after Doak was taken off to draw the match 3-3.
Carrick's side - who host Coventry City in the Championship on Saturday - are ninth in the Championship table.
Scotland international Doak, who joined Boro on a season-long loan from Liverpool in August, has played 12 times for club and country this season, the highest number of appearances in his senior career so far.