MICHAEL CARRICK is confident that Middlesbrough’s work in the transfer market will bear fruit soon.

The Teessiders have brought in seven players already this summer, but there is a clear need to make further reinforcements in key areas of the squad.

The need for a new striker has been apparent throughout pre-season, with Boro so far having been unable to plug the gap left by Cameron Archer’s return to Aston Villa.

And Carrick will also be keen to sign a new left-back to replace Ryan Giles, who looks set to join Luton Town on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at the Riverside from Wolves.

Carrick said: “As a squad, we look strong. Of course, we want to try to improve it in different ways – that’s just normal, everyone in every league in the world is trying to do that at the moment and we’re no different.”

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Asked specifically about the club’s striker situation, with Morgan Rogers having started up front in Saturday’s friendly defeat to Real Betis and Matthew Hoppe having played as the central striker in last night’s 3-3 draw with Bradford City, he continued: “I’m not worried (about the striker situation).

“We’re well aware of what work we need to do and how we need to improve the squad from our point of view. I’m not worried about it. We’ve got a good squad and some real talent within the group.

“As I’ve said, we’re looking to add to it and we’re looking to balance the group off. That’s just normal. Of course, we want everything done yesterday, that’s just how it is. But we’re patient enough to get the right things when they appear.”

Giles is understood to have held talks with Luton in the last few days, despite Boro having pushed hard to lure him back to Teesside.

Carrick said: “Gilo had a good season with us last season, but he was on loan and that’s the thing about loan players, they’ve got to go back. We’re obviously looking to do things in the window, so we’ll see what comes from it.”