Millwall boss gives verdict on Michael Carrick’s Boro start and January deal for Aston Villa striker

Millwall head to one of the Championship’s form teams on Saturday with Middlesbrough chaining together impressive results under new manager Michael Carrick.

But Lions boss Gary Rowett is relishing the test as the two clubs – both in the play-off places – go head to head in Teesside this weekend.

Middlesbrough have taken 22 points from their last 10 matches, a return only bettered by Burnley (27), Sheffield United (25) and West Bromwich Albion (24).

Millwall have collected 16 points over the same period.

“If you look at two of the teams in the division that are in form and really pushing for the top six, you’d expect with their quality, then you’d say West Brom and Middlesbrough are those two teams,” Rowett told the South London Press.

“Michael has gone into Middlesbrough where they have had the quality and they’ve had the squad there, but not necessarily found the right ingredients. For sure, he seems to have had a huge impact. You can see that in some of the results and some of the performances.

“It will be a really tough game. It would be at any point but going there when they are in good form and on the up adds to the challenge. But that’s what the division is about. We found that same challenge going somewhere like Preston. People said they had hardly conceded any goals and we found an answer. Watford were on a good run of form. The challenge doesn’t change.

“But from afar I’ve been very impressed by the job that Michael has done. His team look to be in confident form at the moment.”

Boro have signed Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer on loan for the remainder of the season.

“They have pushed the boat to get that type of quality of player in because I think there was quite a bit of interest in the Championship,” said Rowett. “I certainly don’t think it was a deal that we’d have been able to match.

“This is what you’re up against in this division. But that’s been the same for the last three years. We’re trying to find those little extra differences which can keep us challenging in the right end of the table.

“He’s certainly a very good player. He showed that at Preston on loan and at Aston Villa with his brief appearances. I’m sure Middlesbrough will look to strengthen in a good run of form going into this window.”