MICHAEL CARRICK can envisage Matt Crooks playing in a central-attacking position on a more regular basis in the second half of the season.

Crooks returned to Boro’s starting line-up for the first time in nine matches as the Teessiders won at Blackburn Rovers last night, but instead of featuring in his usual midfield role, the 28-year-old was stationed as his side’s main attacker with Marcus Forss repositioned to the right.

The ploy paid dividends at the start of the second half, with Crooks setting up Forss for Boro’s equaliser, and while Carrick also boasts Rodrigo Muniz and Matthew Hoppe in his squad, and could well look to make attacking additions when the transfer window reopens next month, he is more than happy to consider Crooks as an option for a centre-forward role.

“We play pretty fluid most of the time, so he’s not really a stand-up-there centre forward,” said the Boro boss, whose side will return to action when they head to Birmingham City on Monday. “I think he’s really clever with his runs and really good in the box.

“I’ve said it before, we try to utilise the squad’s strengths and do what we’re good at to give the lads the best chance of playing well.

“I do think Crooksy is a big threat in and around the box and he’s really bright with his movement, seeing the space really well. I don’t want to pigeon-hole him as only that position for us by any stretch, but I do think he’s a big threat there.”