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Former Manchester United midfielder, Michael Carrick, has backed Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, for success with Middlesbrough, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old joined the Boro on loan from Sevilla after a poor stint in his first six months in Spain. While he’d had hoped for a fresh start in the EFL Championship, Iheanacho is still without a goal for Middlesbrough.
The former Manchester City forward was omitted from Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Following this, Iheanacho put in some work during the International break as he looks to hit top form, and this pleased Carrick.
Kelechi Iheanacho working hard over the international break. pic.twitter.com/qHS8HPtCt5
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 25, 2025
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Kelechi Iheanacho during the match between Middlesbrough and Watford at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough on February 15, 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
What Carrick said
“That’s what it takes now. Kel’s definitely a big part of the group and important because of his experience and his character.
“The way he trains and goes about his business, he’s a good example to the younger lads. It’s taken him a few games to get up to 100 per cent in terms of sharpness and fitness, but I’m sure he’ll have a big impact for us between now and the end of the season,” the Middlesbrough manager said about the Super Eagles forward, as revealed by the Nothern Echo.
Kelechi Iheanacho during the match between Middlesbrough and Watford at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough on February 15, 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
“In terms of the extra training and looking after himself, that shows the attitude and his mentality really. People don’t always see that side, particularly during an international break.
“I guess that’s the advantage of that these days where it gives people that window into seeing things like that you never used to see. It’s a big part of being a good professional, and credit to all the boys who all work so hard,” the ex-Manchester United midfielder concluded.
Kelechi Iheanacho during the match between Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC played at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium on December 8, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. [Photo Credit/ Imago].Middlesbrough are currently 8th on the EFL Championship table, three points off the playoff spots, and Carrick admitted he needs all hands on deck as they look to gain promotion to the English Premier League.
“I think anyone can [still have a big impact this season]. There are eight games to go, and when it gets to this stage, even one moment can be big now.
“Those individual moments at this stage can turn out to be bigger moments. It would be wrong of me to single anyone out. I think anyone can have an impact between now and the end, and hopefully we have a few players who produce in the eight games we’ve got to go.”
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrating his goal against Manchester United. [Photo Credit /X].With three goals in 18 games across all club competitions this season, Iheanacho is experiencing his second-worst season in his career.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.
With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.
He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
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