MICHAEL CARRICK expects Middlesbrough’s improved squad depth to be a key asset as the Championship season unfolds.

Boro strengthened their squad considerably in the summer, making eight senior signings as well as holding on to all their key assets.

As a result, Carrick finds himself with selection dilemmas in a number of areas, most notably in attacking midfield where has nine players vying for three positions behind lead striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.

The Boro boss will have to juggle his pack over the next few weeks, but having been short of options last season when injuries hit hard, he is delighted to have so many senior performers at his disposal as he looks to chart a course towards promotion.

“I’m sure over time, it will benefit us,” said Carrick, whose side make the short trip to Wearside this weekend to take on Sunderland in the Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light.

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“Whether that's freshening it up with 20 or 30 minutes to go or changing it when the games are coming thick and fast and we need to make changes to the team, the flexibility and opportunity to rotate will benefit us in the long run.”

Saturday’s trip to Sunderland sparks a run of four matches in the space of two weeks, with the season really cranking into gear after the interruption of the international break.

Boro are currently tenth in the Championship table, four points adrift of their weekend opponents, Sunderland, who are currently second, but Carrick expects to see plenty of movement in the next few weeks.

“It feels like the season is still getting started in many ways,” he said. “Once it kicks into gear, we'll get the benefits of the squad we've got.”