Although Boro’s manager is pleased with Marcus Forss’s recent performance from the right side, he is certain that the Finn may be a useful addition if he plays as a center striker.
With goals against Millwall and Rotherham United, Forss now has three goals in his past three league games after his masterful debut in last weekend’s derby draw with Sunderland.
With Josh Coburn and Emmanuel Latte Lath out of the picture, Boro have been playing down the middle without a natural center-forward, while Forss has been showing off his ability to score goals by cutting in from the right.
The Finland international’s chances of playing as a central striker have been mounting, but although Carrick believes Forss may be successful in that capacity, he is happy with the effect the player has made in the last few games.
The Boro manager stated, “Marcus can play wide or through the middle.” He is a genuine threat who consistently discovers methods to endanger lives. Marcus enters the room from the right and notices the area within and surrounding the box.
It is in his natural instinct to be in and near the goal, therefore that is why he wants to be there. Most importantly, he knows just when to arrive. He is adaptable. He presses and defends well, and he is aware of his duty pretty well now, so we’re really pleased with what he’s doing.”
Forss appeared to be in some difficulty when he was substituted off during the final moments of Sunderland’s tie last Saturday, but he has since fully recovered and should start for Bristol City when they visit the Riverside tomorrow.
“In the end, there was no major concern as it was just a minor cramp,” Carrick stated. That’s fortunate since he has appeared extremely knowledgeable since returning.
He has the feel of space in the box, the calmness to close out opportunities, and the eye for goal to help us. We will definitely need a lot of his clinical abilities between now and the end of the season.
