Michael Carrick described signing Mark Travers as an opportunity Middlesbrough ‘had to take’ given his quality and experience.

Boro had to unexpectedly enter the market for a new keeper this month when both Sol Brynn and Seny Dieng suffered long-term injuries, leaving Tom Glover as the only fit senior keeper in the squad. While Glover did little wrong during his stint in between the sticks, he was backed up for much of December and January by 19-year-old Shea Connor, putting Boro at real risk if the Aussie international picked up an injury.

As such, Boro scoured the market and were pleasantly surprised to learn that Bournemouth keeper Travers would potentially be available. A promotion winner with the Cherries, the Irish international had proven his quality in Premier League outings this season, and was desperate to get out and play games more regularly due to being behind Chelsea loanee Kepa in the pecking order.

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Boro had to be patient to land their man, who also had interest from Watford. Initially he was required to stay at Bournemouth until after a fixture against Chelsea was completed, with Kepa ineligible against his parent club. In the meantime, fellow deputy keeper Will Dennis picked up an injury that almost scuppered Travers’ exit plans altogether. Alas, Travers finally made the Riverside switch last week and went straight in for his debut against Sunderland where, despite conceding three, he impressed with a couple of very good saves.

Explaining the Travers signing, Carrick said: “Trav has settled in really well. Obviously with the injuries to Sol and Seny, it was something we needed to address and do something about. We’re delighted to have Trav. Tom [Glover] has played and done well and now we’ve brought Trav in to leave us happy with the goalkeeper situation.

“He’s a good goalkeeper and he’s at an age where he’s got good experience. He’s played in some big, big games in the Premier League this season. That means he’s ready to come straight in and make an impact here. He’s a good goalkeeper and it was an opportunity we just had to take.”