Win gives side a 'big boost' – Carrick

Michael Carrick watches as Middlesbrough beat Stoke City

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick says a first win in six has delivered a "big boost" to his squad.

The Boro head coach told BBC Radio Tees: "We can take a lot from it. I think the boys will feel that and hopefully it will give them a big boost. We have to do it all again on Saturday but we are certainly going in in a good frame of mind after this.

"It wasn't so much the result it was how we got it and how we played, the expression and that confidence on the back of a run we've had. It would have been easy to go safe but I thought they have done the absolute opposite and shown real personality and class and belief in each other.

"I think the way the boys bounced back from that moment [the equaliser] which was another moment which could have gone the other way. They could have thought is it a lead we have not capitalised on but no, they doubled down went forward and scored some really good goals.

"It is just a really really good night and it has been a long time coming but it is a deserved one. We can take a lot from tonight."