Middlesbrough are seeing the results to match their efforts in training after back-to-back wins were achieved through Tuesday's Carabao Cup win over Bradford, says boss Michael Carrick.
Saturday's victory over Southampton ended a seven-game Championship winless run, in which they took two points.
Cup wins over Huddersfield, Bolton and the Bantams have earned Boro a fourth-round spot, as they find some form.
"That was proof of it," Carrick told BBC Radio Tees.
"I keep saying about what we're seeing in training and the standards the boys are setting themselves.
"I think it's not easy.