Championship: Middlesbrough boss, Carrick wants Akpom to finish top scorer

Middlesbrough manager, Michael Carrick has said he will be delighted to see Chuba Akpom finish as top scorer in the Sky Bet Championship this season.

Akpom bagged a hat-trick as Boro defeated Wigan Athletic 3-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Boxing Day.

The Nigerian-born forward has now scored 12 goals in 16 league appearances for the club this season.

The 25-year-old is also level at the top of the second-tier goal charts with Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres.

The former Arsenal player is enjoying a new lease of life at the club after his initial struggles.

“I’ve not spoken to him about that (finishing top scorer), for me it’s all about the team,” Carrick said after the game.

“Of course, I’d love him to finish top scorer, it would mean as a team we’re playing well and getting the benefits from it.

“It would be an added bonus if he can do that. As long as we’re winning, whether he’s scoring one, two or three, as long as he’s contributing to us winning, I’m happy with that.”