MICHAEL Carrick believes Delano Burgzorg is starting to "show what he's all about" for Middlesbrough and is being rewarded for his patience in the early stages of the season.

After starting three games in a row early in the campaign, Burgzorg - a summer arrival from Mainz 05 - was named as a substitute for 10 straight Championship fixtures and didn't feature in three of them.

But he took his chance when he was brought back in against Luton before the international brace and after his brace against the Hatters unsurprisingly kept his place in the side for Saturday's win at Oxford.

There's no guarantee the former Huddersfield Town loanee will be again named in the starting XI for tomorrow's visit of Blackburn, with Carrick planning to make the most of his deep squad in a three-game week, but the head coach is thrilled to see Burgzorg hitting his stride on Teesside.

“I’m really happy for Dela," he said.

"He played a lot at the start of the season but then didn’t play a bit. It highlights the importance of staying ready and being ready so that you can come in and make a difference when called upon. Everyone is a big part of things. Dela has done that and played fantastically well. He’s shown what he’s all about with his threat and the variety he brings to our game."

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And Burgzorg isn't the only one who has impressed Carrick with the way they've dealt with their lack of football.

"You can look at Dan [Barlaser] too, playing Saturday," said Boro's boss.

"Fantastic. I’m delighted for Dan. Not playing as much as he would have wanted but not a moment’s negative feeling or energy towards anything.

"He’s been an absolute dream to work with and credit to him for that. They both get what they deserve, putting in great performances and showing what they’re capable of doing. That’s the beauty of doing things in the right way."

Carrick continued: “It’s so important to get the right characters as well as quality. In some ways, you can’t put a price on getting the dynamics right.

"Having the right characters who fit into the group and are willing to sacrifice a bit of themselves for the good of the group, it’s vital.

"I think we’ve got a really good group who are all willing to do that and are able to understand we’re all trying to be successful together. That’s what it’s going to take."

Despite the fact Burgzorg only arrived in the summer and has spent a lot of time on the bench, the forward showed how invested he is with his passionate goal celebrations against Luton.

Carrick said: “That was great to see. The boys care; they care a lot.

"They’re all human beings with feelings. They’ll have ups and downs, I’ll have ups and downs, and sometimes it goes for you when other times it doesn’t. But I can see that the boys care an awful lot and are desperate to do well. When you see moments like that, it’s nice.”