MICHAEL CARRICK feels the performance of Delano Burgzorg and Aidan Morris in last night’s Carabao Cup win at Leeds United proves the value of making signings early in the transfer window.

The duo performed superbly as Boro beat Leeds 3-0 to set up a Carabao Cup second-round tie against Stoke City, with Burgzorg scoring his first competitive goal in a Boro shirt in the second half and Morris running the game impressively at the heart of midfield.

Burgzorg joined Boro from Mainz in mid-June, with Morris completing his move from MLS side Columbus Crew at the end of the same month.

The pair have been involved throughout pre-season in a Boro shirt, and have hit the ground running at the start of the competitive campaign.

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Carrick said: “It (making early signings) certainly helps, and credit to everyone for that – the backroom staff, in terms of recruitment, and having good ideas, and having a plan and sticking to it.

“We’re all in it together. We’ve spoken about the value of getting the two lads in early, and it is the truth.

“We’ve seen the benefits of that, and we’re feeling those benefits. I thought the two boys in particular were fantastic tonight, in different ways, and you can see how well they’ve settled in.”

Boro are set to complete the signing of Tommy Conway in the next few days, with the forward’s arrival from Bristol City expected to go through before the weekend.

Conway’s arrival could result in Josh Coburn being allowed to leave, with Millwall and Stoke City both having been linked with the striker in the last few days.

Coburn scored Boro’s third goal at Elland Road last night, stabbing home after Isaiah Jones’ shot was deflected into his path, with Carrick having been delighted with his focus in the last few days.

He said: “It’s that time of year when there’s a lot (of transfer talk) thrown about. The boys have been fantastic with their focus and concentration, and Josh played really well tonight, supported by a lot of others as well.

“I thought there were just so many positives that it was just one of those nights.”