Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has stuck with a settled side so far in his four games since his arrival at the Riverside. 

Carrick named the same starting XI for the four games that followed the defeat at Preston in his first match in charge, with Boro unbeaten against Hull City, Bristol City, Blackpool and Norwich City. 

But the head coach says those who didn't have a place in the starting XI and had to settle for a place on the bench in that run of games haven't done anything wrong. 

The attitude of those players has instead impressed Carrick leading him to relay an important message to those players, suggesting they will all have a huge part to play in the Championship season. 

Speaking to the Northern Echo about the use of his squad, Carrick said: "The training has been really good and the attitude has been fantastic. I understand the position they find themselves in over the past couple of weeks, I've been there as a player myself.

"They're just as important, if not more important, than the boys who start at times, I really believe that for the energy they can give to the team. As the season goes on we need every player to play a part.

Boro have risen from the bottom three to 14th and just four points off the top six as Carrick looks to plan for a successful rest of the season during the World Cup break. 

The Verdict

Carrick has done a remarkable job in a short space of time at the Riverside. 

He’s getting the best out of several individuals which is a testament to not only his coaching ability but also his man management. 

His use of the squad lends into that as it’s been important that they plays with what he feels is his best starting XI, rather than chop and change which managers can call into a trap of doing. 

It’s certain that after the World Cup break, there will be more rotation and given Carrick has got plenty of the players so far, it’s sure to be an exciting future under him.