Michael Carrick is hoping his Middlesbrough players use the late victory against Hull City as a springboard as he seeks greater consistency from his side this year.

Boro started 2025 with victory over Hull City on New Year’s Day and are looking for consecutive wins when they host Cardiff City at the Riverside this afternoon. In particular, the manner of the Hull win, which came via a late goal after struggles to break down the Tigers defence, can make it a particularly big moment in Boro’s season.

But the Boro boss warns that such a morale-boosting victory is no guarantee for a springboard as he challenged his players to make sure they channel their good feeling off the back of it to meet expectations with a victory against the struggling Bluebirds to consolidate their top-six credentials.

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Carrick said: “You’ve got to feed off that and use it as a springboard. It doesn’t necessarily mean everything will be rosy after this, but it gives us a great feeling and gives the lads more confidence. We’ve got to use that. Moments like that are why we all love the game. But we’ve got to move on quickly as well as enjoying it.

“As a team, to win 1-0 in that manner - we looked really solid in the most part, pressed really well and then, in the second half in particular, looked dangerous and controlled the game - collectively it was a really good performance away from home on a difficult pitch. Obviously keeping a clean sheet was important because it meant one goal was enough for us. We’ve got to make sure we use that now.”

Cardiff come to Teesside while sitting second bottom in the Championship. They’ve won just one of their last 11 games, though they’re unbeaten in two having drawn against Coventry City last time out. They also beat Watford in their final game of 2024, which was also their first away win of the season.

Now targeting more, Cardiff boss Omer Riza said: "We spoke about the other games - let's not forget the other games. We were good at Stoke and at Coventry. Our performances haven't been that bad away from home but we haven't picked up the points that we need so desperately, and we haven't won at home which elevates anxiety and elevates frustration and elevates everything.

"I'd like to think they have got the bit between the teeth at the minute. But there's a tough game coming up at Middlesbrough, we've exerted a lot of energy in this game. Hopefully the next two days we can rest, replenish and go again.

“They have got a very strong squad and invested a lot of money in their squad and they have good players in every area of the pitch and players who can come off the bench. It'll be a tough game, we know the threats they pose in attack, both when they have control and when they counter. They are things we have to look out for. Hopefully we can manage it and impart our own imprint on the game ourselves.”

Saturday's game will mark the first Middlesbrough Supporters Forum Foodbank collection of the calendar year. As usual, a collection point will be set up outside the North stand ticket office between 12pm and 3pm before the Cardiff game where they will be accepting non-perishable food and cash donations. The club are also asking for donations of any unwanted Christmas presents.