Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has shared his thoughts on Tommy Conway ahead of the club’s clash with Stoke City.
A new striker was a priority for Middlesbrough during the 2024 summer transfer window.
Michael Carrick had Josh Coburn acting as backup to Emmanuel Latte Lath in 2023/24 but seemingly felt some fresh legs were needed.
It took some time, but the Boro boss eventually got his man when Middlesbrough signed Tommy Conway for £4.5m, fending off interest from Hull City and Burnley to win the race for the Scotsman.
Conway had an underwhelming Middlesbrough debut, coming off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Derby County.
However, the Scotsman then scored his first goal for the Teessiders the following weekend, converting from 12 yards against Portsmouth.
Conway was then praised after Preston North End, where he scored his second goal for the Reds.
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Michael Carrick delivers Tommy Conway verdict
Middlesbrough face Stoke City in a Championship fixture this weekend and Carrick has been speaking to the media ahead of the tie.
The Boro boss provided an injury update on Rav van den Berg in his pre-match presser, with the Dutchman now closing in on a return.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Carrick was asked for his thoughts on Conway and how he has settled in so far, giving a positive review of the striker.
He said: “Tommy’s done well. It was a bit of a stop-start kind of summer with him getting up to speed.
“I think scoring goals helps obviously. He’s fitted in really well. He’s training fantastically well, really good attitude towards the game and improving, and is a joy to have around the group and work with, to be honest.”
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Tommy Conway form is bad news for one Middlesbrough player
While Conway’s early-season form should please Carrick, it is not great for one Middlesbrough star.
The centre-forward has been deployed in the number 10 role during the last few game weeks and has played well.
However, this means Finn Azaz has been forced out wide onto the left wing – a position he really struggles in.
Azaz was one of Boro’s best players in the first few fixtures of 2024/25 but his form has taken a nosedive of late.
This is no fault of the player, as he showed last season he is much weaker on the left.
But with Conway playing so well right now, Azaz may be forced to make do with his unfavourable role for the time being.