MICHAEL Carrick has hailed the influence of coach Aaron Danks in helping Middlesbrough secure the January signings of Aston Villa duo Cameron Archer and Aaron Ramsey.

Danks, a former Villa coach and caretaker manager, knows the young pair well and spoke at length to both before they headed for Teesside on loan last month.

Archer has impressed since joining at the start of January and has started the last two games up-front, while Ramsey is closing in on full fitness after having knee surgery in December.

"That's what it was, it was that bit of extra knowledge," said Carrick of Danks' role in helping Boro sign the Villa pair.

"The boys know Danksy and have a relationship with him, which ultimately helps them as well in terms of developing.

"We're looking to help them become better players, better people and have a good experience while they're here for however long it is. Having Danksy and getting that extra information on what they're like, what they'll bring and trusting his opinions was a big part of it."

Ramsey said: "Danksy gave me a call. I spoke to Danksy and then I spoke to the gaffer and, to be fair, it was a no-brainer. I wanted to come here and be part of the project.”

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Boro are looking to make it three wins on the bounce in the Championship as they head for Cardiff City this weekend, with the fine recent form resulting in another Manager of the Month nomination for Carrick.

His side won three of their four league games in January, their only setback coming in the defeat at Sunderland.

Carrick is up against Vincent Kompany and Paul Heckingbottom, manager of the Championship's top two Burnley and Sheffield United, as well as Rob Edwards, who has had an impressive start at Luton Town.