Middlesbrough midfielder Dan Barlaser says the opportunity to work with head coach Michael Carrick was crucial to his decision to join the club from Rotherham United.

Barlaser completed his move to the Riverside Stadium last month after over three years with the Millers, scoring 14 goals in 117 appearances and helping the club to two promotions from League One during his time at the New York Stadium.

The 26-year-old made the step up to the second tier seamlessly this campaign with two goals and seven assists, putting him joint-top of the Championship assists chart.

He made his debut for Boro in Saturday's 3-0 home win over Blackpool with an excellent display which showed plenty of potential after replacing Hayden Hackney in the second half.

Barlaser revealed that with his contract expiring in South Yorkshire at the end of the season, he had intended to depart in the summer and says that the chance to work with Carrick, who played as a midfielder at the highest level for much of his career, was a key factor in his decision to return to his native North East.

"I told the previous gaffer here (Paul Warne) that I was going to run my contract out and then look to progress my career and start a new chapter in the summer," Barlaser told the Rotherham Advertiser.

"Yes, 100 per cent [a better player than when first joining Rotherham]. I've always known I'm good technically, but the defensive side of my game has come on leaps and bounds. My fitness has got much better as well.

"But Middlesbrough’s manager, he’s a perfect fit for me. He’s played in my position at the top level and won all those trophies and accolades. I think he can progress my game even more. Moving closer to home is a big thing but the chance to work under Michael Carrick is the biggest thing for me."

The verdict

Barlaser is an excellent signing for Middlesbrough.

It was something of a coup for Boro to land his signature as there would likely have been no shortage of interest in his services in the summer when his Rotherham contract ran out.

Although it was only a brief second half cameo against the Seasiders at the weekend, Barlaser certainly made an impression and it would be no surprise to see him become a key player in Carrick's side as the season progresses.

The appeal of Carrick is understandable for Barlaser as a midfielder and it is an exciting prospect to consider how the 41-year-old may help him develop his game even further.

In Barlaser, Boro have the perfect long-term replacement for Jonny Howson and the fee they paid for him could look a bargain in the years to come.