The striker had just turned 22 when he joined Middlesbrough in the summer transfer window but has already clocked up more than 115 Championship appearances and is a Scotland international.
And he’s only been at Boro eight months but very quickly established himself as not only a pivotal player on the pitch but a crucial – and vocal – figure in the dressing room.
It’s credit to Conway that Carrick sees him as a leading senior figure despite the fact he’s still very much in the early years of his career.
“He’s the same age as Josh [Coburn],” said Carrick, with Boro having taken the decision to send Coburn out on loan to Millwall last summer because they thought he’d benefit from a year of regular football elsewhere.
“I think there’s about a month between them. It’s interesting to look at it in that perspective because, in a way, I’m as guilty as anybody of looking at it like treating him as a senior, seasoned professional. You do that naturally.
“Then you take a step back and think about the stage of the development and stage of careers they’re in, and think about how we can help them, how we can develop them.
“It’s something we’ve got to take into account. Having said that, when it’s all on the line like Saturday, we’re not in this week for development, we’re in it to try and win. Tommy and the boys will thrive off that.”
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Carrick believes Conway has thrived off the opportunity to be the main main since Emmanuel Latte Lath’s January departure. The pair were rotated in the first half of the season, but since Latte Lath left for Atlanta United, Conway has been Boro’s established first choice striker.
Despite only making 10 Championship starts before the end of December, Conway’s goal tally of 13 has only been bettered by four Championship players this season.
His missed penalty at Sheffield Wednesday on Monday proved costly, but his head coach has been thrilled with the striker’s output this season.
“He’s done really well,” said Carrick.
“It’s been a big season for Tommy, in a new environment with new expectations.
“He’s played a lot of football and is dealing with a high level of expectation from himself as well.
“It’s a hell of a learning curve changing clubs, and he’s adapted ever so well. Early in the season, with Manu in particular, the two of them were coming in and out at times and he dealt with that ever so well.
“Now he’s playing a little longer and getting a bit more consistency in terms of games.
“Missing penalties and chances can happen. That’s the life of a centre-forward. The positive is that he’s largely always there, in and around, to get the chances and I believe he’ll score more than not.”
And Carrick says Conway is as crucial behind the scenes as he is on the pitch.
“He’s a great character,” said Boro’s boss.
“He cares a lot and takes a lot on his shoulders. He’s desperate to do well and has a great way of going about it.
“He’s bubbling around the place the whole time. He’s a joy to be around. He’s the kind of player you enjoy being around and want more of that type around the squad.
“The positivity and enjoyment – you’ve got to be able to smile at times and love what you do. He certainly does that and he’s a big part of the group.”
