Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick believes Chuba Akpom’s outstanding goalscoring record is down to the “power of the mind”.

The former Arsenal academy graduate has never been that prolific over the course of his senior career but Carrick says the forward’s confidence levels are sky-high:

“It’s pretty obvious, in some ways, what goals like that does to a player. With all the confidence, you see them grow in themselves. They have that confidence on the pitch. He seems to be bigger, quicker, playing free, you can’t underestimate the power of the mind.”

“It can go the other way when you’re not playing so well, when players seem almost slower and lethargic because the mental state is different. Chuba is in a terrific place at the minute, backed by the whole group.”

Akpom bagged a brace in the 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers last weekend, taking his total to 20 in all competitions this season.

The fact that he had only scored 12 times in English football before this campaign kind of tells you all you need to know about the 27-year-old’s form currently.

Boro supporters will be hoping that Akpom can keep this hot streak up between now and the end of the season as the Teessiders target an unlikely automatic promotion place.

Carrick’s men face West Brom next up on Saturday, as they look to close the four-point gap to Sheffield United who currently sit second in the table.