Michael Carrick's upbeat Middlesbrough message as they look to bounce back against Hull City

One of the best things about the Championship is that there is usually a very quick opportunity to rebound after a disappointing defeat.

That's exactly what Boro get this lunchtime when they host Hull City at the Riverside, just days after their three-game winning run came to a frustrating end in the defeat to Blackburn Rovers. The quick turnaround could be impactful as far as player availability is concerned though.

Boro were without numerous key players on Wednesday evening, with a few injuries running through the squad, while Seny Dieng, Finn Azaz and Delano Burgzorg were ill. Speaking after the game, Michael Carrick was unable to say whether he would have any players back for today's game.

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Regardless, the Boro boss has full belief in whatever players are fit enough - that they can quickly bounce back. Looking ahead to the Hull game, he said: "There was disappointment after the game, and frustration at the goal as well. Losing the goal in the way we did was a big blow, but you’ve got to use that to fire yourself up and get yourself ready for the weekend.

"It’s a quick turnaround, and we’ll just have to pick the bodies that are fit and ready for Saturday. Whatever happens, I’m confident we’ll be ready for that game. One disappointing night isn’t going to be the be all and end all for our season. Things happen in football, and the fact we were so disappointed after Blackburn just shows how well we’ve been playing recently.

"Over the course of the season, you’re going to be frustrated like we were after the game on Wednesday night. We’ll bounce back, that’s the only way. We’ve just been telling the lads that they have to be ready for Saturday now. It’s a whole new situation, and we’ve been looking forward to that."

Ahead of this one, there was an almighty twist. As Carrick looked ahead to this one and thought about potential team selection choices at the start of the week, he would have done so while plotting to play against Tim Walter's Hull City. However, the German head coach was sacked on Wednesday, with Andy Dawson placed in interim charge.

On how that impacts Boro's preparations, Carrick said: “It has an impact in terms of preparation because there’s obviously not much for us to go on in terms of who’s been managing the team. Someone new is there now, and we’ll do our best to assess that as best we can.

"Ultimately, though, it’s about us, and making sure we’re prepared right and ready to do the things we want to do well. It’s always about us setting those standards and keeping to them. That’ll be a big focus for us."