Michael Carrick is full of praises for striker Chuba Akpom following his hat-trick against Wigan Athletics on boxing day.
Akpom’s first professional hat-trick guided Boro to a 4-1 win over visitors at the Riverside.
The striker took his goal tally to 12 for the season with three goals against the Latics after Marcus Forss’ opener, all assisted by left-back Ryan Giles.
“I am delighted for Chuba, he’ll get the headlines and rightly so because he’s a huge threat at the moment for us, and is getting his rewards in front of goal.
“He’s getting his chances and putting them away and could have had one or two more on another day. But it’s more about his performances and what he brings to the team, his link-up play and taking up clever positions that give other people space.
“He’s in a purple patch at the moment and hopefully it continues for a long time.” The former Manchester United manager said.
Following the win, Boro, however, are now just two points outside the top six.
