Riley McGree says life at Middlesbrough is "fun and refreshing" under Michael Carrick, with the midfielder excited to build on the promising recent results when he returns from the World Cup.
McGree says Carrick has brought both positivity and calmness and the Australia international is "really enjoying" working for the former Manchester United midfielder.
McGree has been key in the early stages of Carrick's tenure, scoring the brilliant goal that set Boro on their way to last weekend's fine victory at Norwich.
READ MORE: Under the radar summer signing is key man for Michael Carrick's Boro
And with Boro looking up, the 24-year-old says he headed for the World Cup in a good frame of mind and physically ready to help the Socceroos "make history".
McGree told Boro's website: "All things are good at the moment on and off the field. I take what I can from the coaching staff and the system we want to play.
"I'm really enjoying it and as a collective you can see it's fun and refreshing, and hopefully we can continue building what we've started here.
"It's all positive off the pitch and there's one clear goal and a real calmness, and you can see it on the pitch. Hopefully we can continue to build."
McGree now wants to carry his momentum into the Qatar World Cup. Only once have Australia made it out of the group stages, when they were knocked out in the round of 16 in 2006, but McGree says Graham Arnold's side are out to better that.
He said: "People laugh at Australia thinking we're going to get knocked out, but we want to make history, do the best we can and get out of the group stage. We'll give it our best shot.
"It's a hugely proud moment for me and my family and something that makes me even hungrier to do bigger and better things for club and country.
"I think my personal preparation has been all that I've needed. I'm more than ready to go."
McGree is following in the footsteps of Boro Australian internationals such as Mark Schwarzer and Mark Viduka.
He said: "These kind of players I was watching at World Cups when I was a youngster hoping to be one of them, and now I'm sat here with that opportunity as a Boro player, which makes it even more special."
READ MORE:
Inside Carrick's first three weeks in charge & Boro's transformation
Riley McGree relishes 'making World Cup memories' with Australia
Matt Crooks' remarkable powers of recovery after hernia surgery
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here