Middlesbrough won't be panicked into making left-field signings

If deals can be done for the "right players" then Boro will act, but Carrick has again reiterated that there's no panic on Teesside - though acknowledging the need to be open-minded late in a window.

The Boro boss says: “I think you always expect the unexpected in January. You never know what is going to pop up, so you’re never really settled in that regard in terms of what can be thrown upon you. We understand that as a club. Of course we’re looking to improve and looking to do what we can as a club, but it’s got to be right.

"It’s not just a case of doing loads of business and getting players in just for the sake of it. It’s about getting the right ones in, at the right time, in the right position and with the right character that fits with the dynamics of the squad. I’m pretty patient about it.

"We’re working hard, obviously, but I’m patient. This squad we’ve got is a really good squad and good group of lads too. So if we can do some work, great, if we can’t, we’re in a good place."

As is always the case in the final stages of a window, players become available who weren't necessarily previously on the market. Carrick says Boro will have their eyes open and closely monitor ever-changing developments, but will only sign players who they've done their homework on and will fit in on Teesside off the pitch as well as on it.

He said: “We’re trying to do certain things, but it’s got to be right. We’re quite specific in what we want and need, and how we want to go about it. But we’re not desperate. We’re not making rash decisions.

"Yeah, it might get later in the window, but that doesn’t mean we’ve rushed a decision. It’s just a case that things have worked out a bit later in the month. There won’t be any last-minute, rash decisions because I think it’s dangerous going down that road.

“It’s January and things get thrown up that are unexpected or come out of the blue. Maybe someone wants one of your players or someone unexpected becomes available who you think will suit. So it doesn’t necessarily have to be a long-term target, it just has to be the right one.

"We know what we’re looking for so there won’t be any left-field, ‘we’ll just take him because he’s a good player’ kind of signings. It will be pretty specific to what we want and as a club we’re clear in our own heads for what we’re looking for."

On the importance of the right characters, Carrick added: “It’s huge. It can flip both ways so quickly. You need good characters and personalities and players that bring a balance to the group. You can’t ever have everyone the same. You need a good mix and a good blend. Everyone has to bring something a bit different, but all have to be here for the right reasons, and pushing in the right direction. We’ve certainly got that at the moment."

Asked if he expects to be busy ahead of the deadline, Carrick said: “It’s hard to predict, it’s hard to know what to expect. We’re working on things no different to any other club. It’s all the relevant to the size of the club in terms of what you can and can’t do. But we’re working as hard, if not harder, than most and we’ll see what we can do. "