Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick offers Emmanuel Latte Lath verdict after Sheffield United win
It took Emmanuel Latte Lath just three minutes to prove his point to Boro boss Michael Carrick after grabbing a late winner against Sheffield United.
The Ivorian striker had struggled in front of goal this season, but scored the only goal of the game to inflict Sheffield United's second defeat of the campaign. He peeled off the back of his marker and powered Finn Azaz's teasing cross into the back of the net, leaving Blades shot stopper Michael Cooper rooted to the spot.
"It wasn't a major issue really," Carrick said when asked about Latte Lath's absence from the starting XI. "To be totally honest, we've got really good players throughout the squad and there's going to be times when players are in or they don't start the game.
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"If anything I thought Manu coming off the bench, fresh and sharp like he did, would have a big benefit for us tonight. We gave him the opportunity to make a difference so I was delighted with him.
"I was delighted with him. His reaction to not starting was fantastic, as you'd expect and hope for. How pleased everyone was to see him score and to feel winning again. Whoever scored, everyone shared that load today and it was nice to see."
The 25-year-old had not scored since the opening day of the season against Swansea City and Carrick believes it'll be a huge confidence boost moving forward.
"I'm not underplaying it," the Boro boss added. "I'm totally delighted for him. It's an important goal a hugely goal for us and the team. It's a great ball in from Finn and I thought on the front foot and attacking wise, the boys were really good.
"They'll gain a lot from that and I thought Tommy played well for not playing for a little bit. Certainly Manu is going to take a lot from that and it was great to see him getting the rewards for all his hard work. Maybe he hasn't always had what he's deserved."