Manning tribute is least Boro can do - Carrick

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick completed his Uefa Pro-Licence on the same course as Liam Manning

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick says that holding a tribute to the late baby son of Bristol City boss Liam Manning "is the least" his own club can do.

Boro play Bristol City at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, but Manning will not be there as he is on a period of absence following the death of Theo John.

A minute's applause is planned for before the match and black armbands will be worn by both sides as a mark of respect for the Manning family.

"We can certainly pay our respects to Liam and his family on Saturday," said Carrick.

"We've been in touch with Bristol City and arranged that, it's the least we can do."

Carrick did his Uefa Pro-Licence badge on the same course as his Bristol City counterpart and offered his condolences to Manning, his wife Fran and son Isaac.

"I was devastated when I heard the news," said the Boro boss. "It's so, so sad.

"We send all our thoughts from me, my staff and everyone at the club for Liam, Theo and all his family.

"Football is football, but there's a lot more to life than football."