Michael Carrick hopes Alex Gilbert's late winner for Middlesbrough at Hull City proves a big moment in his career on Teesside, as the young forward surely cemented his short-term future at the club.

Gilbert grasped his opportunity at Hull City - using just the seven minutes he was given to make the ultimate impact for Boro. His 93rd-minute winner at the MKM Stadium fired Boro to fifth in the table in what felt like a significant three points for Carrick's side.

After special scenes in front of the away end at full-time, in which Gilbert was able to take in the adulation of a sold-out Boro away end, Carrick said: “I'm so happy for him. You could see everyone was so happy for him. It's incredible for Alex and it's a big, big moment for him for everything he's built to get to this stage. To see everyone as happy as they were for him is special.”

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The goal was Gilbert's best moment in a largely frustrating 18 months at Boro so far. Well down the pecking order for much of last season, he finally showed some promise towards the end of last season and after making positive impacts from the bench against Southampton and Leeds United, he was rewarded with his first start at Cardiff City, where he scored his first Boro goal.

Starting this season brightly, he was just starting to push forward his case for more pitch time when he suffered a knee injury which kept him out for over three months. Working hard to get himself back up to speed and back in contention, Carrick recently played down the chances of sending the 23-year-old out on loan in a window in which Boro can only sign players if they create a gap in their squad by offloading someone.

But on the day the January transfer window opened, Gilbert made the ultimate statement to suggest he can still have a huge impact to play this season, surely justifying Carrick's decision to likely keep him at Boro for the rest of the season.

Carrick said: “He's got that in him, Alex. He probably feels he hasn't played as much as he'd like. He's been really patient but at the same point pushing to be involved. He wants to make an impact. He finished last season well, played some games and had an impact.

“He played the cup games at the start of the season, did really well at Leeds, and played some other games but then got his injury, which was a setback. But he's been working back to that. He's been on the pitch at times lately. It wasn't long tonight but it was enough for him and he's shown what he can do.

“I'm not saying he's just going to be an impact player, but he's developing. I was delighted for him. So much work goes on behind the scenes that people don’t see - the boys go through so many emotions. It's all worth it when you find a moment like that.

“To see how happy everyone was for him shows the togetherness in the group. We're all fighting the same battle. Only certain lads can start games but it's a privilege to be part of such a strong group and you have to share the load. He's at a stage now where he's pushing and there'll be more football for him. He definitely suits it here and he enjoys it. We're trying to help him improve and take him to the next stage in his career. He fits in naturally.”