MICHAEL Carrick insists he has full belief that his out of form Middlesbrough side will soon get back on track in the Championship - but admits he might have to do "something a little bit different" in a bid to reverse current results.

Boro's defeat at Preston on Wednesday night extended their winless stretch to four games, with any play-off hopes fading fast for Carrick's side, who are seven points adrift of the top six.

Carrick remains upbeat, is adamant he's seen plenty to be positive about in recent displays and is "convinced" results will soon turn.

He thinks Boro have deserved much more in recent weeks but did admit that he's going "round in circles" with familiar issues plaguing his side each week. With that in mind, Carrick hinted he might be ready to make one or two tweaks in the short-term while not moving away from his bigger picture vision for Boro.

"It's hugely important to stay calm," said Carrick.

"The boys have done that largely. It's getting the balance between doing something a little bit different to stop the same things happening again and again and still committing to what we believe in for the longer road.

"I'm convinced results will turn for us and we have the quality. It's OK me standing here saying that, it's what happens when you get over the white line.

"I feel for the players, I genuinely do. It's no good me shouting and screaming at the boys, I can't fault them. Things have gone against us, little mistakes are costing us but largely I feel for them because a lot of the work they're doing they're not getting their payback.

"But we'll be alright. We'll stick together and results will turn for us."

READ MORE:

The main issue for Boro in recent weeks has been sticking the ball in the back of the net, with the absence of any fit strikers proving costly.

Emmanuel Latte Lath is nearing a return ahead of tomorrow's trip to leaders Leicester, which will be a major boost for Carrick, who insists there are enough goals in his squad.

"The boys are capable of doing it (scoring goals)," said the head coach, whose team have had 51 shots in the last three games but only scored three goals.

"I have no doubt about that. We're creating opportunities and with the quality we've got, we're getting in some really good areas. I really believe we're not miles away and results will soon tell a different story.

"There's so much good in it and the boys just need a break and something to go our way more than it is at the minute.

"It's up to us to create that. I believe in the boys 100% and believe there's a lot more to come. I really do.

"The boys are all in, it's just that final bit which is the magic bit. Preston managed to find that and we didn't (on Wednesday). It's both ends but in between we did a lot of good things."