For the head coach says he senses an “excitement” at the challenge ahead as Boro prepare to kick-off their eight-game run-in in the battle for a place in the Championship play-offs.
Boro host Oxford United today looking to close the three-point gap on West Brom and Bristol City, who both face testing trips to Norwich and Burnley respectively.
Boro targeted promotion this season and won’t have expected to find themselves playing catch-up in the race for a top six spot at this stage of the campaign.
But Carrick insists the coaching staff and players have drawn a line under any frustration that has gone before and are now relishing the coming games.
“The boys are good,” said Carrick.
“There’s a good feeling amongst them. It’s noisy in there, which is always a good sign. It shows there’s a good energy around the place, and, to be honest, there always is really. They’ve been fantastic in that respect. They’re excited more than anything.
“You work throughout the season, and throughout your career, to put yourself in positions where you have an opportunity to achieve something. We’re a step closer as we head into the last chapter of the season.
“We know what’s in front of us, and we head into it in a really positive mood. We’ve worked hard all season and had to overcome a lot of challenges – the injuries and the recent centre-back partnerships, goalkeepers etc. You go through all of that through a season and ultimately do as much as you can to put yourself in a position where you’ve got a chance towards the end.
“Then it all comes down to this now. It’s eight important games. But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. There is still plenty of work to do. It’s important we stay focused on one game at a time.
“I know it’s the worst answer I can possibly give you, but it’s crucial at this stage to stay focused on each game as it comes.”
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Boro went into the international break having picked up four points in games against QPR and Luton, but the performance at Kenilworth Road didn’t exactly raise hopes among the fans. Boro didn’t manage a single shot on target.
But Carrick said: “The last one was totally one off and we knew how tough it would be. The way they play, the way the stadium is, the way the pitch was… It was a one-off game and won’t be overly critical of the players of that. We moved on.”
Boro stuck six past today’s opponents Oxford when the sides met at the Kassam Stadium back in November, a game which came during the best spell of the season for Carrick’s side, who scored 15 goals in three games.
Another hammering would be welcome today, but the priority for Boro and Carrick is just making sure they get the job done. If Boro are to reach or to get close to the 70-point mark usually required for promotion, then today’s game against a side that have picked up just 10 points away from home all season feels like a must-win.
“We certainly wouldn’t turn down six goals,” said Carrick.
“But listen, we’re not getting carried away. That was a good day for us, we played well, created chances and scored goals.
“But there’s no way we’re taking anything for granted this time because of that. As the season progresses and gets to this stage, every point and every win is important.
“We’ll stay in the present, stay in the moment and focus on us. We know we’ve got to do certain things to ensure we win games and we have to just concentrate on that.”
Oxford head for Boro four points clear of the relegation zone after a much-needed victory over Watford before the break, which followed a nine-match winless stretch for Gary Rowett’s side.
“They’ve got a really good manager,” said Carrick.
“Gary has been around the league a long time and knows it very well.
“He knows what it takes to put a successful team together. They had a really good run and then, similar to ourselves, had a run where it was difficult to get a result.
“That’s what this league is like. But they had a really good result last time out, it will have given them a boost, and we’ll expect their best version on Saturday.”
