Chuba Akpom became the leading scorer in the Championship this season with his 13th goal in Middlesbrough’s 3-1 win over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Monday.
Boro have been in scintillating form since former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick was appointed as manager last October.
After a 3-1 loss at Burnley, the Teeside outfit saw off Kolo Toure-led Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers which pushed them into the promotion playoffs places.
There was no relenting from Carrick’s men on Monday afternoon as Matt Crooks opened the scoring in the 57th minute before doubling his tally two minutes later.
Birmingham pulled one back through former Manchester United youngster Tahith Chong in the 74th minute but Boro had one last say and it came in the 85th minute through former Arsenal man Akpom who was fed by Crooks, rounded off Birmingham goalkeeper John Ruddy and put the ball into the empty net.
Akpom’s goal was his fifth in as many games which included a hat-trick against Wigan on Boxing Day. The Anglo-Nigerian’s impressive form has reportedly attracted transfer interests from Premier League clubs Southampton, Everton and Crystal Palace.
Middlesbrough move one place up to fifth on the Championship log but are still some way off automatic promotion with 12 points separating them and second-placed Sheffield United.
They have won seven games out of the 10 Carrick has managed so far, losing two and drawing one.
