MICHAEL Carrick and Middlesbrough got the transfer thumbs up from Wayne Rooney before completing the signing of Lewis O'Brien - with the midfielder and Leeds United forward Sam Greenwood both available to make their debut in tomorrow's game against QPR.

Boro yesterday completed the double loan capture of O'Brien from Nottingham Forest and Greenwood from Elland Road, with Carrick excited at what the pair will offer his side this season.

O'Brien was one of the Championship's stand-out players in the 2021/22 season, leading Huddersfield Town to the play-off final. Nottingham Forest were victorious in that final and then signed O'Brien, but the switch didn't work out for the midfielder.

A loan move to Blackburn collapsed in the final stages of the January window, so the 24-year-old then headed for the MLS and joined Wayne Rooney's MLS.

And Carrick received a glowing reference from his former Manchester United teammate when he asked about Boro's new recruit.

“I had a chat with Wayne about Lewis and he had really good things to say," said Boro's head coach.

"He really enjoyed his time over there and it was a new experience for him both as a player and a person, and adds to what he can bring to us. We’re looking forward to getting him settled in."

Strengthening in midfield was a priority on Teesside this summer and Boro have courted O'Brien throughout the summer, beating several clubs including Sheffield United and Leeds United to his signature.

Carrick said: “I think Lewis is a very good footballer and has gained very good experience of success at this level as well. He knows what it takes in this league. He gives us good variety and is a little bit different to what we’ve got. But at the same time, we feel that he will be able to fit in quite quickly.

"He’s a really good, humble and hard-working lad who is desperate to do well. We talk about the player and what he can bring [on the pitch] but actually the person themselves and fitting into the group is what we class as being vital. He certainly ticks all of the boxes."

Greenwood, meanwhile, will offer versatility across Boro's forward line. The 21-year-old can play as a striker, a No.10 and even played in central midfield for Leeds, where he made 35 appearances after being handed his debut by Marcelo Bielsa.

Sunderland-born Greenwood left his hometown club for Arsenal when he was 16 before joining Leeds three years ago.

Carrick said: “Sam is a really exciting talent. I say talent in the best possible way because I think he’s got huge potential. He’s creative and strong with both feet, so we’ll certainly be looking to get the best out of him in those attacking areas.

"We want him to be positive and show the threat that he can have. We’re excited to help him with that next stage of his development. Similar to Lewis, he’s a great lad who is desperate and delighted to be here.

"He’s from the North East  as well, so he knows what it’s all about. Again, he’s a really good fit on and off the pitch. I’ve touched on previously that we have good variety and flexibility in the forward areas and Sam adds to that. He can also bring in a little something different. You don’t want someone dramatically different when you have to fit them into your way of playing, but what you do want is skills and attributes that fit within the structure."

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The pair trained with their new teammates at Rockliffe yesterday.

“We’ve only done a little bit with them this morning," said Carrick in his press conference yesterday afternoon.

"They will both be available (against QPR), but whether they are involved or not, we’ll have to wait and see."

While O'Brien and Greenwood settled in at Rockliffe yesterday, Martin Payero said his goodbyes. The midfielder travelled to Italy to complete a move to Udinese.

Payero joined Boro in the summer of 2021 but struggled to adapt to the English game and will leave having made just 13 league appearances on Teesside.

Reports in Italy suggest the deal will be a permanent move, with Payero set to sign a four-year contract.