WHILE Chuba Akpom has undoubtedly been Middlesbrough's headline act this season, he isn't the only attacker who has been transformed and flourished in a new role under Michael Carrick.

Who'd have predicted six months ago that Marcus Forss would thrive playing in a right wing role?

Certainly not Chris Wilder. The former boss described Forss - a summer addition from Brentford - as a "development signing" but under Carrick the Finland international is very much part of the here and now.

Forss had only made three league starts for Boro before the October manager switch but since Carrick's arrival he's featured in all but one Championship game and established himself as a key man in Boro's attack.

Akpom has understandably hogged the headlines as he streaks away at the top of the Championship's goal charts but in striking the opener at Huddersfield at the weekend Forss took his tally to the season for 10. That was enough for Matt Crooks to win Boro's golden boot last season.

And what's more impressive is the fact Forss has scored most of his goals from the right flank rather than playing as a central striker.

"He's obviously got a great return of goals," said Carrick, who trusted his eye in deciding to shift from Forss from playing up-front to the right wing.

"It's instinct in some ways. Sometimes you try little things that work, sometimes it doesn't work out as you thought and you change it.

"Marcus has done fantastically well since we changed him over. Even before that he did well and gave the team a lot playing through the middle.

"He's had a good return of goals, he's had real productivity in his game.

"It's not easy to adapt sometimes to positions and it's credit to the players that have tweaked their positions their willingness to do that and listen.

"He's been terrific, he's got great energy, he presses very well, he's a real threat in the box and a natural finisher and he gives us good balance."

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Though Wilder saw a talented player in Forss, he believed he wasn't quite ready to be the main man up-top in a promotion chasing Championship team. But it didn't take Carrick long to identify Forss as a key man in his versatile attack. He's been delighted with the forward's contribution - and believes the best is still to come.

He said: "I think it's hard to see instantly. It takes a bit of time.

"When I came in I was getting to know all the players and you quickly learn their history and recent history and what's happened and what they're good at.

"We just try to adapt and use them the best we can for us. It takes time sometimes and Marcus has definitely improved.

"His confidence has grown and he's performed well and scored goals. I'm sure there's loads more to come."