MICHAEL Carrick says the international break came at a good time for the three players who Middlesbrough signed late in the summer transfer window - with the trio all expected to be involved at Blackburn on Saturday.

Alex Bangura is available to feature for the first time for Boro but is likely to have to settle for a spot as a substitute, but Sam Greenwood and Lewis O'Brien are both pushing for a start after making their debut from the bench in the defeat to QPR.

All three players have now benefited from a couple of weeks on the training pitches at Rockliffe, getting used to their new surroundings and familiarising themselves with their new teammates and Carrick's playing style and demands.

"They've settled well," said Carrick.

"Probably in terms of not having a game and being able to settle without that has helped them.

"Being around the group, it takes them a few days to get used to the surroundings as much as the football. It's a little bit of everything. For some of the boys it's a change of country, for some it's a change of area.

"For some it's not always on the pitch. The boys are human beings and have families they need to look after. I think we get so desperate for them to perform and almost robotic that they should be at their best all the time.

"It doesn't always work like that but at the same point it is what it is. There's a process. They need to fit in and get to know the other players.

"It's such a good environment to come into. I'm sure the boys will say they've settled quickly because of the staff and the way they've been looked after.

"I'm delighted to have them. We have a good squad, we'll need good numbers throughout the season. It's a long season and we have a busy period coming up so everyone will play their part at some point."

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Boro's new recruits have all arrived hungry to take their chance on Teesside.

O'Brien was one of the stars in the Championship in the 2021/22 season when he shone for Huddersfield Town, but a move to Nottingham Forest didn't work out and he says he has a point to prove.

Greenwood, on loan from Leeds United, is desperate to establish himself as a first team regular having spent the last few seasons on the fringes at Elland Road.

Bangura, meanwhile, who will battle with Lukas Engel for the left-back spot, says his "dream has come true" in signing for Middlesbrough.

Carrick said: "We feel we have a good balance and good numbers and good variety.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what they can offer to the group and for the boys that have been here for some time to show what they're capable of as well."