Carrick's Boro boys are my dark horses

WHO will win the Championship this season? If you want a safe bet I’ll say Leeds.

- Adam Virgo

But if I have to stick my neck on the line and tip an outsider, my money is on Middlesbrough.

They’ve been building a little bit of momentum season on season. They’ve had a year and a half under Michael Carrick, who now knows what it takes to be a manager in the Championship.

The squad is relatively settled, with strength and depth in multiple positions. There’s a proven goalscorer in Emmanuel Latte Lath. An exciting midfield partnership, with USA international Aidan Morris signed from Columbus Crew to partner Hayden Hackney.

Once upon a time, signing players from Major League Soccer was seen as a bit of a backwards step.

But in the Championship, the success of people like Jack Harrison, Daryl Dike and Auston Trusty has removed that stigma.

Dynamic

What you get with MLS players now are young guys who’ve played a lot of games and that’s what Morris is. He’s a dynamic midfielder, only 22, a clever piece of business, and typical of the way Boro have sought value this summer without overpaying in the market.