Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has expressed confidence in Super Eagles attacker Kelechi Iheanacho despite his current struggle for form, Footynaija.com reports.
Iheanacho joined Boro on loan from Sevilla during the winter transfer window. He failed to hit the ground running in Seville and was soon shipped out on loan to the EFL Championship despite only switching to the Spainish club six months earlier.
His return to England, where he previously turned out for Manchester City and Leicester City, has failed to work the desired magic as the 28-year-old is still yet to make any significant impact on the pitch in seven appearances for Middlesbrough.
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Recently, Iheanacho’s form struggles saw him miss out on a spot in the Nigeria squad that featured in the latest rounds of CAF’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In his absence the Super Eagles triumphed over Rwanda in Kigali before being held on home turf by Zimbabwe.
Carrick’s vote of confidence
Following his omission, the former Foxes forward took to the training pitch while the international break was on and worked really hard in a bid to rediscover his rhythm. His actions greatly impressed Carrick, who in turn backed the Nigerian forward to deliver at the Riverside stadium.
“That’s what it takes now. Kel’s definitely a big part of the group and important because of his experience and his character,” he said in quotes revealed by the Northern Echo. “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 percent 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.
“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.”
With Middlesbrough in eighth position on the EFL Championship table and just three points away from a playoff spot, now seems like the best time for Iheanacho to regain some form. He possesses decent quality no doubt, but whether he will be able to hit a purple patch before the end of the season remains to be seen.
