AIDAN MORRIS has only been a Middlesbrough player for six weeks or so but says he can can already tell he's joined a "special club".

And after getting his first taste of Championship action in the opening day win over Swansea City, the midfielder is relishing the challenge, season and experiences ahead.

With captain Jonny Howson having nursed a slight niggle in the last week of the summer, Morris was in from the off against the Swans and impressed in an all-action midfield display.

He was long aware of Boro's transfer interest before finalising his switch to Teesside so had plenty of time to visualise his first Riverside outing - and it didn't disappoint.

“It was amazing," he said.

"This is everything I, and I’m sure many other people as well, have dreamed of as a kid - to play here in England.

"It’s the best level of football and it was such a special day for me. My family was here watching too, so I tried to give my everything for this club.

“There are not many words to describe it. It’s every kid’s dream in the USA to play in an environment like this. I think as the season goes on I will be able to grow into it a bit more and appreciate it a bit more. But I can feel, even outside the pitch, the love and support. People waiting in the car park for us to sign autographs etc. It’s special.

“I think that’s why we do this - for moments like these. To have your family behind you and watching on, you want to capture these special moments. I think that’s what we all play for.

“You can feel the culture and the passion so strongly. I’ve only got a taste of it and I’m sure there is plenty more for me to discover and see."

What made the occasion even more magical for the USA international was becoming the 1,000th player to pull on the Middlesbrough shirt, with Boro having last season launched their Legacy Numbers to mark the contribution of those who've worn red throughout the club's history.

“I was told about it on Friday night and it’s pretty cool," said Morris.

"This is such a special club, as you can see with the atmosphere and how much the football means here. That’s new to me. So to be able to be that number, it’s something unique and cool and I’m grateful."

Boro are very well stocked in midfield, with Morris, Howson, Hayden Hackney, Dan Barlaser and Law McCabe all battling for two spots in the side - and the summer recruit thanked Carrick for his early show of faith.

He said: "I try not to think too much about it and just to try to go out in practice and focus on every touch and every play. Hopefully if that goes well, I will be in the starting 11. I just need to do my job every week and kudos to the coach for trusting me and putting me out there in such a big game.

“The guys are great, the staff are great and everyone has been amazing. Life is something different - coming here from the States, moving so far from home and not having my family support with me. There are some good days and bad days, but everyone here have done an amazing job with allowing me to implement myself and grow into myself here."

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Carrick was full of praise for Morris after his impressive debut, saying: "It was a tough one for him to come into. He likes to have a bit more of the ball and express himself that way but I thought his discipline and the way he went about it, he's aggressive and tenacious as well, so he has a good blend. I thought he did really well.

"He'll be happy with that and we're certainly happy with him."

Morris said: “I could have been cleaner in some moments. But playing in these games - first game of the season - there are always some kinks to work out. It’s never clean and never perfect.

"But I think coming away from it with three points was amazing. To be able to get through those little hiccups in your game and get something out of it is good."