AFTER joining from Brentford in the summer, the early days of Marcus Forss's time at Middlesbrough didn't play out as he'd hoped.
The striker started three of Boro's first five games but quickly found himself slipping down the pecking order under Chris Wilder and having to settle for a role as a substitute.
But everything changed for the Finnish striker after the appointment of Michael Carrick and Forss now believes he's "reaping the rewards" of the way he reacted to those difficult early weeks of his time on Teesside.
Forss was a substitute in Carrick's first game in charge at Preston but started the next game at Hull City and hasn't looked back. He scored one goal before Carrick's arrival but has hit eight since and is now just one league goal short of reaching double figures in the league and matching the tally of last season's top scorer on Teesside, Matt Crooks.
And what makes it all the more impressive is the fact most of Forss's goals have come from right wing, with the 23-year-old flourishing in a new role on the flank.
It's no surprise to hear Forss is loving life at Boro, all the more so after the testing early stages of his time at the club.
"It wasn’t ideal in the early stages, but it can happen in football where you don’t get picked," says Forss.
"It is never nice to be on the bench and when you are you have to roll your sleeves up in training, make sure you get back in the team. It is about your reaction, work ethic, and I never gave up. I am reaping the rewards now.
“It is never easy not playing but when you have everyone supporting you, coming in, it was nice to have a reaction and I am grateful."
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Forss is part of a fluid and threatening Boro forward line that have only been outscored by league leaders Burnley this season.
Carrick has not only transformed results but also the style of play.
Forss said: “Michael has got us playing a different kind of football. It suits me. I am in the team now and I like it. I want to help us to get three points whatever position I am in."
Forss scored Boro's fourth goal against Preston last time out before linking up with Finland, who play Denmark tonight. Forss then looks set to come up against Boro teammate Paddy McNair when Finland face Northern Ireland on Sunday.
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