MICHAEL Carrick has backed Sammy Silvera to have a "big impact" in the second half of the Championship season after the winger's match-winning contribution from the bench at Swansea.

The Aussie flanker hasn't started a Championship fixture since the draw at Sheffield Wednesday in September, but Carrick always knew the importance of playing the long-game with the 23-year-old after his summer arrival from Central Coast Mariners.

Boro have seen glimpses of Silvera's talent, and Carrick is excited about what he can go on to achieve on Teesside.

"He's been patient, I think he'll have a big impact, he's tremendously talented with huge potential," said Boro's boss.

"It's about finding the right moments to fit him in the team and let him flourish. He can play right across the front which sometimes can help you and sometimes can hinder you, in terms of not nailing down one spot.

"He's learning, he's getting the experience. You get the experience in different ways."

READ MORE:

Silvera has played his part in Boro's run to the Carabao Cup last eight and will almost certainly be in from the off at Port Vale tomorrow night, and will be full of confidence after his winner at Swansea on Saturday.

The wideman was bright from the bench and created the chance that led to the bizarre back-pass 12 minutes from time. It was Silvera who then took the free-kick and found the bottom corner from close range as Boro brought a three-game losing run to an end. Morgan Rogers was equally as impressive from the bench in Wales and is also likely to start tomorrow night.

Carrick said: "I'm delighted with them. It's OK me telling the lads they'll get a chance, but it's easy for them to lose a bit of belief, but fair play to the boys, they've stuck at it."

Boro will closely monitor Seny Dieng in the coming days after the keeper was forced off injured after slipping late on at Swansea. He wouldn't have started tomorrow in any case, with Tom Glover having played in the cup games so far.