MICHAEL Carrick has backed Kelechi Iheanacho to have a “big impact” for Middlesbrough between now and the end of the season – and said a behind the scenes peak during the international break showed how determined the striker is to make a success of his loan spell at the Riverside.
Iheanacho joined Boro on deadline day on loan from Sevilla until the end of the season, replacing Emmanuel Latte Lath after his Atlanta United move.
Iheanacho arrived with real pedigree having played for Manchester City and won the FA Cup with Leicester, but the 28-year-old has so far struggled to make his mark on Teesside.
The Nigerian is still yet to score in seven appearances and has been completely ineffective in a few of his appearances, including the 0-0 draw at Luton before the international break.
However, Carrick has repeatedly praised Iheanacho for his approach and attitude behind the scenes. And a clip appeared on social media during the international stoppage showing the forward working with a private fitness coach in his own time.
Carrick said: “That’s what it takes now. Kel’s definitely a big part of the group, and important because his experience and his character.
“The way he trains and goes about his business, he’s a good example to the younger lads. It’s taken him a few games to get really up to 100 per cent in terms of sharpness and fitness, but he’ll have a big impact for us between now and the end of the season, I’m sure.
“In terms of the extra training and looking after himself, that shows the attitude and his mentality really. People don’t always see that side, particularly during an international break.
“I guess that’s the advantage of that these days where it gives people that window into seeing things like that you never used to see. It’s a big part of being a good professional, and credit to all the boys who all work so hard.”
Carrick was pleased with the battling qualities on show in the 0-0 draw at Luton before the break, but Boro failed to muster a single shot on target at Kenilworth Road.
With that in mind, the head coach must decide whether to tinker with his forward line for tomorrow’s game against Oxford at the Riverside.
Morgan Whittaker and Marcus Forss will be hoping for a recall after having to settle for a place on the bench last time out.
But Iheanacho will be desperate to keep his place and try to make his mark in the play-off run-in.
Carrick said: “I think anyone can [still have a big impact this season]. There are eight games to go and when it gets to this stage, even one moment can be big now.
“Those individual moments at this stage can turn out to be bigger moments. It would be wrong of me to single anyone out. I think anyone can have an impact between now and the end, and hopefully we have a few players who produce in the eight games we’ve got to go.”
The Northern Echo
