CHAMPIONSHIP

MICHAEL CARRICK has confirmed Middlesbrough are on the brink of signing Dan Barlaser from Rotherham, and the head coach cannot wait to begin working with the midfielder after watching his side beat Watford.

Carrick said: ‘It comes down to the character and attitude, and what they can bring to the group, and as a midfielder for how we want to play, Dan fits that perfectly.’

First-half goals from Chuba Akpom and Marcus Forss enabled the hosts to bounce back following last weekend’s North-East derby defeat by Sunderland.

LIAM ROSENIOR insists Aaron Connolly is a ‘natural’ in front of goal after he scored twice on his 23rd birthday for Hull.

The home side had not won at the MKM Stadium since early October and were indebted to Connolly, on loan from Brighton, for his contribution.

Rosenior said of Connolly: ‘I’ve known him since he was a kid and I love him. I believe in him. He’s a natural. I think he’s a Hull player and embodies what this club is all about.’

Rob Dickie’s own goal had put Hull 2-0 ahead.

MARK ROBINS praised Kasey Palmer after the Coventry midfielder scored against the club where he was once on loan.

The ex-Chelsea academy product spent 18 months at Huddersfield, scoring four goals in 28 league appearances before joining from Bristol City last summer.

Gustavo Hamer also scored for Robins’s side, who ended a run of five games without a win.

Robins said: ‘Kasey’s a really good player, there’s things he does where he takes a touch that he doesn’t need to, but he’s outstanding.’