Michael Carrick reveals Middlesbrough wish after the Under-21s superb European comeback win

Michael Carrick is hoping Middlesbrough's Under-21 players will benefit massively from their superb comeback win on Wednesday evening, admitting nights like that can help bridge the gap between the academy and the first team.

Despite playing well in the Premier League International Cup clash with Borussia Monchengladbach at the Riverside, Boro found themselves 2-0 down and looked destined for defeat before three goals in the final 11 minutes inspired a Steau Bucharest-esque European comeback for Mark Tinkler's side.

With Boro boss Carrick watching on again, having also gone to last week's defeat to Lyon, Ajay Matthews scored twice, either side of a stunning strike from range from Jack Stott, to earn Boro's second string their victory.

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Carrick said: "I thought they played particularly well all the way through the game. They were unfortunate with the second goal. I really enjoyed watching them, there was some really good performances and it's great to see them pull off that.

"When you're coming through, those type of nights do stay with you. Playing at a stadium in a game that feels something different to what they're used to. It's all part of the experience, which is why these type of nights and competitions are a great way of bridging that gap. The boys responded really well. It's not easy to go behind but I was really impressed with their response."

The Under-21 side featured many young players with first-team aspirations, with Carrick keen since he first arrived to hand as many opportunities to young players as possible. Despite that, he resisted heading to the dressing rooms after the dramatic triumph, preferring to leave such matters to manager Mark Tinkler and his assistant Paul Crager.

"I didn't go in," Carrick revealed. "I stay away from them and let Tinks and Crage [get on with it]. That doesn't mean I don't support them. I was there, I enjoyed it and it was interesting to see the boys perform. There were some really good performances. I was delighted with them. They deserved to win, they never deserved to be behind and to finish that strongly, it was great to see the lads so happy."