MICHAEL CARRICK has defended Middlesbrough's decision not to sign another centre-half during the January transfer window.
While Boro completed six signings last month, they finished the month with fewer central-defensive options than when they started.
Matt Clarke left to join Derby County on a permanent basis, while Jonny Howson and Darragh Lenihan both remain sidelined through long-term injury issues.
Rav van den Berg and George Edmundson started at the heart of the back four as Boro lost to Sunderland in their most recent outing, with Dael Fry having been on the bench for the derby defeat.
They are Boro’s only three available centre-halves, but Carrick feels there is more than enough versatility within the squad to cover for any issues that arise in the position.
“Luke Ayling has played at centre-back for us,” said the Boro boss. “He’s played there two or three times, and we’ve won the two of three games that he’s played there. Jonny can do it as well, when he’s fit, and we’ve got three fantastic centre-halves that we’re really happy with.
“That’s why we made the decisions that we did (in January). I think we’re covered, in that respect, and we’re happy with what we’ve got.
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“Darragh is also part of the group. I know he hasn’t been able to play for quite some time, but he’s definitely part of the group. He came back in pre-season and looked really good, but then unfortunately had a setback, which he’s still trying to come back from.”
Five of Boro’s January signings were involved in the deadline-day defeat to Sunderland, with the sixth – Kelechi Iheanacho – having been presented to supporters on the pitch prior to kick-off.
Since losing to their regional rivals, Boro’s players have had eight days without a game, giving Carrick an ideal opportunity to bed in his new arrivals.
Mark Travers and Ryan Giles are guaranteed starters at Bramall Lane tomorrow, with Samuel Iling-Junior hoping to get the nod ahead of Delano Burgzorg in a wide-attacking role on the left and Kelechi Iheanacho competing with Tommy Conway for the centre-forward spot.
“The break has been a great opportunity to bed the new players in, and we’ve made the most of it, as you’d expect,” said Carrick. “The new boys have settled in fantastically well and there’s a good feeling in the group.
“There is certainly a feeling of freshness and of being re-energised in some ways. But it doesn’t feel new, which is important. That was something we were conscious of, with certain changes that we were making. It can feel too new, but it hasn’t felt like that at all.
“The boys have settled in, everyone has trained really well and really hard and we feel we’re in a good place and good shape. We’re happy with what we’ve got, and we’ve got to keep building now.
“There are reasons for ins and outs in any window and I’m happy with the squad. We feel we’ve got a good balance, have added some good experience and some good talent.”
