After a stop-start first year at the club, Riley McGree has been backed to kick-on at Middlesbrough, with Michael Carrick outlining the importance of the midfielder to his side.

McGree, who is set to link-up with Australia for the World Cup this month, has quickly established himself as a key man under Carrick for Boro, starting all three games since the head coach's appointment.

The 24-year-old impressed in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bristol City, teeing up the equaliser for Chuba Akpom and creating a string of chances for himself and others in a game the hosts dominated.

McGree has shown flashes of his quality since his January arrival but has been denied a run in the side by a number of factors. It was understandably difficult for the former Birmingham City man to dislodge Marcus Tavernier last season, while injuries have also prevented McGree's Boro career from taking off.

But under Carrick that could be about to change. The head coach has been delighted with McGree's contribution so far, the only disappointment on Saturday being the fact the midfielder didn't get the goal his boss felt his display merited.

Carrick said: “He deserved a goal, Riley. He got himself in great positions, good passes, shots and looked dangerous. He looks comfortable in that position.

"He gives us so much as well off the ball. He's smart, he's intelligent, he knows the game and knows his position well. You just want that goal or the three points to top the performance off. But nevertheless, I think the boys (and McGree) will take a lot of confidence from the way they played.”

McGree himself has loved the early stages of Carrick's tenure.

"There's a real calmness," the midfielder told BBC Tees.

"There's a clear identity at how we want to play and the way we want to play, having trust in each other and believing in our own ability and showing what we can do. That's the one big thing I've said about him, the calmness. And a belief in the players he's got. The way he speaks to the players is positive, it's awesome.”