JUST like they did at Norwich last month, Middlesbrough came from behind at the break with a stirring second half comeback to beat promotion rivals Blackburn.

And in doing so, just like they did at Norwich, Boro sent out a strong statement to the rest of the Championship. Michael Carrick’s side are very much promotion contenders.

Bidding to build on their Boxing Day dismantling of Wigan, Blackburn weren’t the most appealing of opponents given Boro had won just one of their last 15 league games against Rovers.

That wretched run looked set to continue at half-time with Blackburn, who started the night in third place, leading thanks to a controversial early goal. But the game swung in a dramatic 11-minute turnaround at the start of the second half when Boro scored two brilliant team goals either side of John Buckley seeing red for a moment of petulance.

For head coach Carrick the win was a reward for refusing to panic and sticking to his guns.

Carrick has been predictable with his team selections, only making two changes to his starting XI in his first eight games, but despite the impressive win against Wigan on Boxing Day he opted to tinker with his side at Ewood Park.

The decision to bring in Riley McGree for Duncan Watmore came as no surprise, the Australian midfielder offering a bit more protection on the left side and Watmore managed through a busy spell. But the switch on the other side was something of a surprise, Isaiah Jones dropping out and Marcus Forss moving to the right flank, with Matt Crooks coming in for his first start under Carrick to lead the line up-top.

Behind at the break, Carrick could have changed his experimental front line but had clearly seen enough to stick with it. It was the right call with Forss, on the right flank, scoring the equaliser and teeing up the winner.

It’s yet more evidence of Boro’s character, who recovered from a nightmare start, falling behind after just five minutes.

Boro’s defenders were convinced Ryan Hedges was offside as he ghosted in behind to latch on to a through ball but the flag stayed down and the forward had the time and space to pick his spot in the bottom corner.

Boro started with the intent of getting after Blackburn and didn’t let the early goal dent their plans. In possession, they played with a front four of McGree, Akpom, Crooks and Forss and the fluid movement of the quartet troubled Rovers for a spell. Forss broke away down the right in behind the home defence but was caught in two minds and his attempted cross was blocked. Boro kept the move alive though and a cross from the right was headed just wide by in-form Akpom.

The attacking approach from both sides meant it was wide open. The ball over the top that led to the opening goal was troubling Boro and Sam Gallagher, who had scored in the last four meetings between these sides, should have done better when he lashed wide just after the half hour mark. Just before that Brereton-Diaz and Dack linked up well, the latter’s cut-back from the left smothered by Steffen.

Boro lost their rhythm in the final 10 minutes of the first half but came within inches of an equaliser when a dipping Hayden Hackney shot from distance deflected onto the bar. From the resulting corner, Blackburn broke at speed and could have doubled their lead, Gallagher heading into the hands of Steffen.

Carrick resisted any temptation to make changes at the break and was rewarded instantly in a dramatic start to the second half.

Just 32 seconds after the restart Boro were level thanks to a fine team goal, Akpom to Crooks to Forss, who hammered home emphatically in front of the 4,895 away fans. On a Thursday night, four days after Christmas, a terrific following.

Boro’s tails were up and they were further boosted just five minutes later thanks to a moment of stupidity from Buckley, who petulantly bounced the ball off the back of McGree’s head. Referee Leigh Doughty missed it but the assistant on the near side didn’t and Buckley was sent off.

It took just six minutes for Boro to take advantage, completing their 11-minute turnaround with another superb team move. This time Hackney picked out Forss who headed into the path of McGree to volley home.

Blackburn had no response and Boro saw the game out to make it six wins from nine under Carrick.