PATRICK BAMFORD is hoping to play a central role for Middlesbrough this season – in more ways than one.

Since returning to Teesside in January, Bamford has spent most of his time playing in a wide-attacking position, and while he is happy to move to the flank for the good of the team, he continues to regard ‘number nine’ as his optimal role.

He started as a central striker for the first time this season on Tuesday night, and weighed in with two goals as Boro cruised into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

When he last played for Boro in the Championship, Bamford scored 19 goals in all competitions, and while his career has stagnated somewhat in the intervening spell, he remains confident in his goalscoring abilities if he is played in his preferred position.

“I had a chance to play in my position up front, and I’m happy I was able to take it,” said Bamford, who was an unused substitute in Boro’s last two league games. “I was pleased to get the chance to play through the middle.

“I felt like I started the season well, but I was playing in a deeper role. I’m happy doing that for the team, but it’s obviously nice to play in your own position. I was happy to follow that up with a goal.

“I’m a centre-forward. You’ve seen that I can play out wide or as a number ten when needed, and I’m happy to do that for the team. That’s where I started the season. I’m happy to play anywhere, but my preferred position is definitely number nine and I think that’s where I’m best.”

Bamford’s promotion to the starting line-up was one of ten changes to the side that started last weekend’s Championship win over QPR, but Boro clicked into gear immediately as they controlled things from the outset at Villa Park.

Garry Monk might have shuffled his pack extensively, but the presence of the likes of Bamford, Daniel Ayala, George Friend, Jonny Howson and Adam Forshaw in the starting line-up highlighted the strength of the resources at the Boro boss’ disposal this season.

Tuesday’s starting line-up would have been the envy of most other Championship sides, and on paper at least, it is little wonder Boro are one of the favourites to win promotion.

“If you looked at their (Aston Villa) programme last Tuesday, their squad was a lot longer than ours,” said Bamford. “We thought we’ve got a big squad, so there’s must be absolutely massive. But if you look at our squad, it’s not just got good depth to it, it’s got quality right the way through too.

“You could literally swap every player for another, and you’d still be looking at it and thinking, ‘That is a very strong Championship team’. It bodes well because the league is a slog. You have to use the squad, and everyone has to be ready. I think that was the case here.”

Boro’s youngsters were particularly impressive, with Lewis Wing and Marcus Tavernier coming into the side to set up Bamford’s goals.

Wing’s pinpoint through ball enabled Bamford to win the penalty he successfully converted shortly before the hour mark, before Tavernier swung over an excellent cross from the left that the striker headed home.

George Miller, a summer signing from Bury, also came off the bench in the closing stages, and while Dave Parnaby might have relinquished his role as the head of Boro’s much-vaunted academy towards the end of last season, the club’s successful production line continues to roll on without him.

“All the young lads were brilliant,” said Bamford. “Lewis played a great ball for the first goal, and Tav put in a super cross for the second goal. He was brilliant, and Wingy was brilliant in what was his first ever professional game. The whole team was very good, and everyone can hold their head high.”

The Carabao Cup provides an ideal opportunity for young players to gain senior experience, but with the competition having progressed to the last-16 stage, thoughts are also beginning to turn to what could lie a little further down the line.

“The League Cup is perfect for giving youngsters a chance,” said Bamford. “They had a few youngsters in their team, and we had three in ours. It’s a great chance to blood the youngsters and give them a bit of game time, but no team wants to lose.

“Every team is taking it very competitively, and ultimately everybody wants to try to win the cup if they can. It’s still at the early stages now, but that’s what everybody wants to do.”