AS a boy, Dan Barlaser idolised Michael Carrick. Little surprise, then, the midfielder was so desperate to play for his childhood hero when he learnt of Middlesbrough's transfer interest at the end of last year.

The 26-year-old, like Carrick, grew up on Tyneside and in the same year that Barlaser joined Newcastle United's academy, his now head coach signed for Manchester United.

While Carrick was enjoying extraordinary success, Barlaser was making his way in the game. He made five cup appearances for Newcastle but had the awareness to realise that to move forward with his career he might have to drop down the leagues, to benefit from playing regular football.

In 2020, Barlaser made a loan move to Rotherham United permanent and went on to establish himself as a firm favourite for the Millers, playing more than 100 times. He helped Rotherham to League One promotion last term and was their exceptional player in the first half of this season, turning heads with seven assists for a team fighting relegation.

As much as Barlaser loved his time at the New York Stadium, the opportunity to join Boro ticked far too many boxes for him to even consider turning it down.

There was the chance to move back to the North-East, to join a team that play the type of football he loves. And, of course, there was the opportunity to play for Carrick.

"That was massive," he said, after making his first start in the weekend win over QPR.

"I would say he was (a hero). The way he played and the position he played, I can learn so much from him and it's great for me to progress."

Boro's January interest in Barlaser was no secret and with the midfielder having rejected the offer to extend his Rotherham contract - which was due to expire at the end of this season - the Millers had a decision to make. Eventually, when they'd managed to sign a midfielder, they gave Barlaser the green light to join Boro.

Reflecting on the window, he said: "I don't think it was difficult to stay focused. I just had to get on with my job. I wanted to come here and eventually it got done."

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Barlaser has quickly settled on Teesside. It helps that he has a good friend in the dressing room in former Rotherham teammate Matt Crooks, but the staff, the welcoming environment he has walked into at Rockliffe and the style of football on the pitch have all contributed to the midfielder feeling immediately at home.

"It's good that I know a couple of the lads but they're all lovely lads so it's an easy group to come into," he says.

"I think it's quite easy for me at this club because they play good football, which is what I like. They play good football, we're in a good area of the table. We play forward football, that's what I like to do, get the ball forward in areas where we can try and score.

"The lads have done brilliant. The gaffer and his staff are brilliant and made me feel very welcome. I've really enjoyed training and obviously got my first start on Saturday.

"The gaffer and staff are brilliant, training is really good and the way we play is really good, so it's win-win."