Middlesbrough: Michael Carrick's Tommy Conway claim could spell danger for January signing - View | OneFootball

The Boro head coach has made some interesting comments surrounding Conway's place in the squad, which could be of concern for Finn Azaz.

Middlesbrough saw their patience rewarded in their summer-long pursuit of a striker when the club secured the signing of Bristol City forward Tommy Conway.

The Scotland international signed a four-year contract with Middlesbrough, in a deal with the Robins worth a reported £4.5 million.

Predominantly a centre-forward, Conway can also play in a number of positions across the forward line, including that of the number 10 role.

That position has predominantly been occupied by Irish international Finn Azaz since he signed from Aston Villa in January, but his divisive start to the 2024/25 season has meant the door to Michael Carrick's number 10 spot has been somewhat left open.

Indeed, it was Conway who replaced Azaz in the number 10 role from the bench at Pride Park, and after hearing the Middlesbrough head coach's comments on how he plans to use his new addition following Boro's defeat to Derby, the Irishman won't be sitting any comfier.

Michael Carrick hints at Tommy Conway taking Finn Azaz's Middlesbrough spot

Since the reports of Conway being linked with a move to Middlesbrough first emerged this summer, Boro fans have been debating over where he fits in Carrick's starting lineup, as a player brought in for £4.5 million in the Championship isn't one who typically sits on the bench.

Emmanuel Latte Lath is locked in as Middlesbrough's number nine after his 16-goal Championship campaign last season, whilst Isaiah Jones, Micah Hamilton, Marcus Forss, Riley McGree and Delano Burgzorg present five quality options out wide.

Speaking in an interview via The Northern Echo, the Boro boss offered a much clearer insight on how the talented youngster will slot into his starting 11, and it probably won't have been music to the ears of Azaz.

Carrick said: “He can definitely play that role (number 10). This was maybe a bit of an extreme case because of the way the game was and how many bodies they defended the box with. That made it difficult and meant we needed extra bodies in the box. We tried it and didn’t quite come off.

"It might be something we look to do in the future again too. I certainly wouldn’t write anything off. It was great to get him involved (at Derby) and obviously I'm delighted to get him in. I think he’ll be a really good addition for us across the top line, where we’ve got good options anyway.

“I like the way he runs - he’s clever with his runs - he’s dynamic, he’s got a really good attitude, is technically very good and is a good finisher.

"From what we’ve seen, we’re really happy to get him. He’ll settle quick because he’s a good character and I’m sure that he will have a big impact on the group.”

With Carrick strongly hinting at further opportunities for Conway in an attacking midfield role, Azaz will now know that the pressure is on for him to maintain consistent performance levels in the coming weeks, which is something he's struggled with in his time at Middlesbrough so far.

Undoubtedly a top quality player at Championship level when he's at his best, the former Plymouth Argyle loanee won't be backing down from the challenge that has been presented to him, and could well bring the best out of him.

Carrick has the luxury of having quality backup options in practically every position this season, with the flanks being a perfect example of that. If Jones goes off the boil, then Hamilton will be desperate for his chance to impress, the same with Alex Gilbert, Forss and others.

With Azaz still waiting to register his first goal or assist in the 2024/25 Championship season after the first two matches, the 23-year-old will be hoping that his hard work in the attacking phases of play will be rewarded soon.

Azaz' 5.09 shots per 90 minutes and 2.26 shots on target per 90 place him in the top 97.3 percentile of all Championship players in his position through the first two weeks of the season - as per FotMob - further underlining how big of a role he plays in Carrick's side.

There will be times when the Boro head coach needs to call on all of his attacking players over the course of a testing Championship campaign, but having that extra piece of competition could either make, or indeed break, Azaz's Middlesbrough career.