23 December 2023 , 05:15
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Michael Carrick has urged Boro fans to get revved up for a big month.
Boro will play Chelsea bidding for their first Carabao Cup final for 20 years in January, and also want to climb into promotion contention despite a big injury crisis. The Teessiders won their only trophy 20 years ago and want a trip to Wembley, but have league and FA Cup business to deal with first, including a tie against Aston Villa.
Carrick said: “For me, these are the ones that draw that passion, that energy and that love of the game. It’s not going to be easy, but we’ll give it our best shot and the supporters will hopefully play a huge part in that. And hopefully we can make it something that everyone remembers.
“The timing of opportunities when you look back over your time as a supporter, or working in football and certainly for players and coaches. The standout times, moments, atmospheres, games, for whatever reason that may be, sometimes come in cup competitions."
Boro have 14 players injured or a doubt for the clash with West Brom this weekend. Carrick is confident his players will keep their focus and said: “That's the test. I don't worry about the boys in that respect. Their attitude and approach is first-class.
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"We might win some games, lose some games and draw some games. But I can never question the dedication and character of the players. Because of the injuries we've had to chop and change a bit and that's never easy but the quality of the players I've never doubted.
“We'll have to do it again on Saturday, which is a big, big game. We'll have to see [what they’re capable of]. That's the beauty of it, potential and what you're capable of. The boys are doing so well. It's a young group, some of the boys on the pitch tonight were ever so young in a game of this magnitude and coped with it so well.”