Michael Carrick's guide to Middlesbrough's first five signings

Michael Carrick has been in Portugal overseeing his squad’s training work at a warm-weather camp on the Algarve, and welcomed most of the new players into the fold last week.

In an interview with the club’s official website, Carrick discussed what he hopes five of the new players will add to the squad next season.

ALEX GILBERT

(Forward, joined from Brentford)

Alex Gilbert (Image: MFC)

“Funnily enough, Danksy (Aaron Danks) knew him. He knows everyone, Danksy. He’s been in and around the youth system at West Brom for some time, so he knows Alex from there.

“Alex went on from there to Brentford and did really well. He plays between the lines and is a really good footballer. He plays off his left foot and right foot, and scores goals. He’s very good to watch, and a talent with potential. We’re really excited to see how he can improve and develop with us.”

RAV VAN DEN BERG

(Centre-half, joined from PSV Eindhoven)

Raj van den Berg (Image: MFC)

“We’re delighted to have Rav. He’s a big talent, with big potential. He’s already played a lot of games for his age in Holland, in the league. He can play in two or three different positions, and certainly seems to act, behave and play a lot older than his age suggests.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have him. There was quite a lot of clubs in for him, a big interest, but we hit it off. I think we gelled and see football the same way, so we’re looking forward to working together, and trying to help him become as good as he can possibly be.”

TOM GLOVER

(Goalkeeper, joined from Melbourne City)

Tom Glover (Image: MFC)

“He’s come around the world, and we’re delighted to have Tom. He’s a terrific goalkeeper. He was at Spurs as a young lad, and then went back to Australia to play games and develop that way.

“I think he’s at that time in his career where he wants to take that next step. I think that shows what he is, and straight away, his attitude shone through, he was desperate to get here.

“He flew into England and had to do medicals, ticking things off before signing, so he had a long day, but then he was desperate to get here (to Portugal). When I asked him how tired he was, he didn’t even flinch, no jet lag or anything, he was just ready to go. Here he is, so full credit to him for that.”

SAMMY SILVERA

(Winger, joined from Central Coast Mariners)

Sammy Silvera (Image: MFC)

“Sammy was in the country a little bit longer than Tom. It’s the same jump if you like, same move. He’s slightly younger, but it’s the same move in terms of coming from Australia and the league.

“He’s come to develop, push himself and make a career. We’re delighted. I think all the boys, at the moment, are of a similar age and a similar time in their career where they want to really fulfil what they’ve built on so far.

“We’re happy to push them and improve on that. There’s different parts of a squad – you want the younger ones, and then you want the ones to underpin that with the talent and potential.

“You want the ones who are pushing to play, and then you want senior ones as well. You have to get the balance right with that.”

MORGAN ROGERS

(Forward, joined from Manchester City)

Morgan Rogers (Image: MFC)

“He’s had varied experiences for such a young lad. Again, he’s at that time where he wants to kick on, and he’s desperate to prove himself, push on and fulfil the potential of what he’s shown.

“Again, Dansky knew him from West Brom and knew his talent then, and then he moved on to Man City.

“We’re delighted to have him. He’s a good size, technically is very good, is athletic and can cause teams all sorts of problems. That’s why we’re here. To coach, develop and push them on.”