HE might have been something of a fringe figure in his first season at Middlesbrough, but Michael Carrick says he's "really excited" by the prospect of Sammy Silvera finding his feet and hitting top form on Teesside.

Carrick always knew Silvera would need time to acclimatise to the Championship after his summer switch from Central Coast Mariners but the winger has still shown glimpses of what he's capable of, scoring six goals and providing three assists in all competitions so far this season.

Silvera has started 10 Championship games in his maiden season on Teesside and his challenge now, says Carrick, is to become a more permanent fixture in the side.

“I’m excited by Sammy," said Boro's head coach.

"It was a huge step for him to come over in the summer. The intensity in this league in comparison to what he’s been used to, it is a big change, but he’s dealt with it really well. He’s got huge talent and he’s a really dangerous player.

"He’s shown that in glimpses so far. He now wants more football, and he should do, and I’m really excited to see what he can do between now and the end of the season"

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Silvera has delivered at times of need this season, scoring crucial goals in the Championship wins over Norwich, Swansea and Leicester as well as getting on the scoresheet in the Carabao Cup victory at Exeter.

"He always seems to find a way," said Carrick.

"He’s got moments in him, he’s dangerous, he’s sharp and he knows where the goal is.

"He’s improving all the time in what is a big learning season for him. He’ll admit that himself. It was a big factor for him this season, adapting, and I think he’s showing really good signs.

"I’m really excited to see what he’s going to be capable of doing the rest of this season and beyond.”

Silvera - who is currently away with Australia and will be hoping to feature in their World Cup qualifier against Lebanon tomorrow - has also shown his versatility, playing in a range of attacking roles, including up-front.

Now, he says, he wants to make one position his own.

"I'd love to be able to lock down a more consistent position, whether that's a striker or right or left, but it's all part of my learning," Silvera told The Red Radio.

"It's my first season, I've learnt quite a bit playing in different roles but I'd love to lock down a certain position. I'm grateful for the minutes I'm getting and I'll take every opportunity I can.

"It's a pleasure to play for such a great club. The culture and environment is unbelievable.

"It's good that we've had a good run before the break and hopefully that gives us confidence going into last eight games. The team is full of confidence. It's been an up and down season but we're in a good space."