Michael Carrick identifies main factor behind Middlesbrough's rise up the Championship table

Boro have won 11 of 14 games since Carrick was named as Chris Wilder’s replacement and now sit third in the table after lying in 21st when Wilder was dismissed.

Carrick’s arrival resulted in changes to the starting XI, with some players favoured by Wilder used more frequently from the bench by the former Manchester United midfielder.

However, Carrick has hailed the attitude of every member of his squad since he was appointed, even those who have been pushed to the fringes.

"The boys have been unbelievable. I’ve not had one issue, not any bad attitude, not anyone causing a fuss,” said Carrick, as he takes his side to struggling Cardiff City this afternoon.

"Yes, there’s been disappointment, 100 per cent, and you should be disappointed when you’re not playing. But they’ve not shown that towards me in any way or towards the coaching staff or any of the other players.

"I think that’s credit to every single one of them. I keep saying it, but that’s the spirit of the group. It’s not clouding over the fact that boys want to play, especially when the team is doing well and you want to be part of it."

Carrick feels the competition for places in his squad is also behind Boro’s upturn in form, with players pushing each other hard in training and encouraging their teammates from the bench on matchdays. He added: "The standard of training has been going up and up, and it’s really competitive in a good way, with the lads all driving each other.

"Everyone’s got each other’s backs, and the biggest thing I can say is that in and around the changing room on a matchday, whether the boys are playing, subs or haven’t even made the bench, the support they give each other is incredible.

"From the subs bench, the noise I can hear, and the encouragement and how happy they are for the boys, is brilliant. They’re so supportive when they’re not on the pitch, even to the other lads that are in their position, and that just sums up where we’re at.”