Riley McGree says Middlesbrough have shown what they're capable of under Michael Carrick and is relishing the challenge of continuing the climb up the table when Championship play resumes.

But first the midfielder will switch his focus to the World Cup as he joins up with Australia this week on the back of scoring the stunner at Norwich City that paved the way for Boro to come from behind to win at Carrow Road.

McGree's third goal of the season was a beauty, finding the top corner with a bicycle kick that drew Boro level, with substitute Matt Crooks hitting a last minute winner to send Michael Carrick's side into the World Cup stoppage four games unbeaten and looking up.

Boro were just a point and a place above the relegation zone when Carrick took charge but are now just four points off the top six, and McGree says the dressing room has responded superbly to the new head coach.

"It's been great so far," said the 24-year-old.

"We've had almost three weeks with the new gaffer and there's a great calmness and something to build on. We've shown what we're capable of, hopefully we can now be consistent and climb our way up the table."

The victory was the perfect way for Boro to sign-off for the winter stoppage and McGree couldn't have marked his send-off for the World Cup in better fashion than his stunning strike.

"The ball sat up and I couldn't take it in my stride because Grant Hanley was blocking my stride so I just thought it was there to be hit," McGree told BBC Tees as he relived his brilliant equaliser.

"I hit it clean enough and it went in. It felt good. If you asked me to repeat it it might take a while, but I felt confident, took it on and it paid off."

McGree continued: "The most important thing was three points but it was awesome to get a goal and contribute as I did.

"The win shows we have that belief. Regardless of the score, we can score against anyone. We proved that against strong opposition, to come from behind and get the important three points was credit to everyone, not just the players but the staff and the fans.

"We had to weather a sticky period in the first half but we adapted well to put in the performance we did in the second half, we more than deserved the three points."

McGree can now turn his focus to the World Cup with Australia. He'll link up with the squad this week before the Socceroos kick-off their campaign against the reigning world champions France a week tomorrow. Group games against Tunisia and Denmark follow.

McGree said: "I can't wait. The last week my full focus has been on Middlesbrough and picking up as many points and playing as well as we could.

"Now my attention can shift. I can go to the World Cup and the other boys can enjoy some time off and come back ready to go."