HIS arrival on a summer free transfer might have been somewhat unheralded – but Michael Carrick is delighted that Tommy Smith is now an integral part of Middlesbrough’s first-team squad.

Smith was signed under Carrick’s predecessor, Chris Wilder, as a free agent following his release from Stoke City.

At the time, it was envisaged that the 30-year-old would spend most of his time covering for Anfernee Dijksteel and Isaiah Jones, but with the former sidelined with a long-term injury and the latter having fallen out of favour in the last couple of months, Smith has established himself as Boro’s first-choice right-back.

He only made one league start prior to Wilder’s dismissal, but since starting October’s 4-1 win at Wigan under caretaker boss Leo Percovich, he has been an ever present in Boro’s starting side.

His appearance in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Millwall means he has started all of the Teessiders’ last 14 matches, with his influence having grown in significance, both on and off the pitch.

“Tommy has been terrific,” said Carrick, whose side return to action when they make the short trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland in Sunday’s Wear-Tees derby.

“A lot of it for me as well is what you bring to the group and the dynamics of the squad. You get different characters and personalities within the group and Tommy is definitely one of the vocal ones.

“He trains fantastically well every single day, which is a real example to the younger lads. He applies himself so well and in games he’s done great for us.

“It’s a position that he’s suited to, and I think he’s done really well. He’s an important member of the squad in terms of the both the dynamics within the squad, and also what he does on the pitch for us.”

Whereas Ryan Giles likes to bomb forward to supply crosses on the opposite flank, Smith’s presence on the right of Boro’s back four provides a welcome degree of defensive security.

His presence has become even more crucial since Carrick shuffled his midfield line-up, stationing Marcus Forss, previously a central striker, on the right flank.

“That’s (protection for Forss) the idea with Tommy, and what he brings,” said the Boro boss. “He might not like me saying it, but he’s been around a long time now, has plenty of experience and knows the game really well.

“He’s so vocal and never stops talking on the pitch, guiding people around him and in front of him, so it’s really important to have him.”