Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has been full of compliments for Boro boss Michael Carrick ahead of the game between the two teams on Wednesday night.

The Teessiders go into the match at Bramall Lane ten points behind the Blades, having played a game more, but Heckingbottom praised Carrick for the impact he has had on his squad since being appointed back in October:

“Michael has done a good, good job. There are lots of players who look like they’re really comfortable in the setup and that brings the best out of them. They’ll have a lot of confidence with their recent results and they’ll bring that to Bramall Lane.”

Carrick’s results since taking charge speak for themselves. The Manchester United legend has racked up eleven wins in sixteen games following his arrival at the Riverside Stadium.

He has brought Middlesbrough into playoff contention when it seemed more likely that the club would be dragged into a relegation battle earlier on in the season.

Catching the Blades may, however, be a step too far, considering the gap between the two clubs, but if Carrick’s side do secure victory later this week, the hope of automatic promotion will still be very much alive.