EFL pundit Dean Ashton has singled out Chuba Akpom's performances at Middlesbrough, praising both the player himself and Boro boss Michael Carrick for getting the best out of him in recent weeks.

The comments came after yet another strong performance by the 27-year-old, who netted twice in the club's 3-0 victory over Blackpool at the weekend.

The strikes were Akpom's Championship, and 12th under Michael Carrick in all competitions - something that the Boro boss deserves praise for, according to Ashton.

“Credit to Michael Carrick because he changed the position he plays and dropped him a bit deeper," Ashton explained on ITV's English Football League Highlights.

"He’s got a bit of licence to go where he wants.

"The first goal you see him drift out to the left and that’s just a scintillating finish. The second, he can come short and combine well. He does so with McGree and what a pass back into him that is, it’s just stunning.

"And then the finish is one of a player who is super confident - you take that first time and don’t even really need to think about it.

"That’s 12 goals in 14 games that Carrick has been in charge for Akpom who is getting the best out of himself. And the manager is getting the best out of him too."

The Verdict

Dean Ashton is absolutely spot on to praise the impact of Michael Carrick on Chuba Akpom's season.

The numbers are there for all to see and the strikers upturn in form under the new Boro boss is undeniable.

Akpom's turnaround at the Riverside Stadium has been somewhat remarkable, too, and he is now a very important asset for the club as the season progresses.

With him scoring goals, the club look like having a strong chance of finishing inside the top six, and dare I say, even winning the play-offs.

It's certainly going to be interesting to see just how many goals he can add to his tally in the remaining matches of the campaign.