MICHAEL Carrick says Cameron Archer's desperation to be involved at Sheffield United last night despite battling an ankle problem shows just how much the Aston Villa loanee has bought into life at Boro.

Archer suffered a heavy blow to the ankle in the weekend win at Cardiff and was a doubt for the game at Bramall Lane.

But he insisted to Carrick he was ready to play and, with his ankle heavily strapped, delivered an outstanding line-leading performance, tormenting Sheffield United with his pace and movement and scoring two second half goals to secure a crucial and hugely impressive win.

“I thought he was terrific Cam and showed everything he is about," said Carrick.

"He was touch and go whether he was going to play or not. He had his ankle strapped so he could be out there and for me, that added to his performance in terms of the fact he did that and he was desperate to play in the circumstances. Credit to him, he’s a terrific lad who’s settled really quickly and loves it here. He’s a big part of the group and I thought his performance in terms of his movement and finishing was excellent.

"He’s smart and he’s clever. His link-up play and all-round game, for being a little bit smaller, he uses his body really well. All round it was a really good performance and getting his goals is obviously a massive lift for him."

Archer wasn't the only player to impress. Chuba Akpom scored Boro's first goal to draw them level, which was assisted by Marcus Forss, who also had a hand in the third. And Riley McGree was outstanding.

Carrick said: “The boys up top are doing brilliantly, that’s everyone who’s played. That’s the beauty of it at the moment - whoever is playing in those positions, there’s just great connections in that group of players.

"Again, Crooksy for me, I keep going back to him because he’s such a big part of the group and squad, and he had a big impact in the game again when he came on the other day. Cam will get the glory and Chuba will get the glory, and rightly so because they’re scoring goals, but it’s still all about the group. We’re going to need everyone in the games ahead."

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Carrick made one change for the game, bringing Dael Fry back into the side in place of Paddy McNair.

“It was a tough decision," he said.

"Every team I pick is a tough one because of the standard and quality of training. It was just a decision we ended up going with because we knew the threats they had and we just felt Dael would be more suited to that one tonight.

"We’re in a good position where, from game to game, we might chop and change. That’s the position we’re in and we can pick the best players that are suited for each individual game."

Carrick also congratulated Isaiah Jones, who missed last night's game after becoming a dad early on Wednesday morning.