Conway hit the net for the first time since the end of November when he put Boro in front against his former club Bristol City on Friday night.
It’s been a frustrating spell for the Scotland international, who enjoyed a hugely impressive start to life on Teesside but had his momentum halted after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Boxing Day draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
That issue sidelined Conway for six Championship matches but he’s now started the last two games, and his goal – and display – was one of few positives to emerge from the defeat at Ashton Gate.
With Emmanuel Latte Lath having left in January and Kelechi Iheanacho making an unconvincing start to his Riverside loan spell, Conway looks set to be Carrick’s main man up-front between now and the end of the season.
And despite the defeat on Friday, Carrick thinks Conway’s goal will do the striker the world of good.
“We hope that’s something he can build on,” said Boro’s boss.
“Tommy scores goals, it’s what he does. He’s still getting back into the swing of it and getting back to full fitness, but that’s one positive to take from another disappointing night.
“It’s no surprise. It’s what he does and he’ll continue doing that, I’m sure.”
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Conway last week took to social media to tell of the frustration in the dressing room and the squad’s desire to get back on track.
Carrick said: “I think the boys have all got good character, and Tommy’s certainly shown his.
“I can’t fault that side of it at all. The willingness to do things, the attitude to work hard and try and improve things. They care and they are hugely passionate about it and they want to do their best for each other, for the football club and for the supporters.
“I can’t question that. Sometimes when you go through a bad spell, that can start straying and individuals can start thinking in different ways. But I can’t say that at all about these lads.
“We’re not getting results right now, but that’s certainly not because of the boys’ character or personality. The boys care a lot.”
