MICHAEL Carrick was particularly pleased with how his side nullified Millwall's threats as Middlesbrough continued their Championship surge with another win, their seventh in eight games.

And what also delighted the Boro head coach was his side's ability to dig deep in the late stages when the Lions pushed for a leveller.

Boro saw it out to bounce back from last week's FA Cup defeat to Brighton in fine fashion, climbing to fourth in the Championship.

"I'm delighted, not just with the win but really pleased with the first half, how we played and controlled it," said Carrick.

"We didn't create as many chances as we wanted but in terms of how we played, pressed, counter-pressed and got the ball back, I thought we were very good and stopped them doing what they do really well.

"Obviously they put us under a bit of pressure late on when we had to defend and I thought the boys defended really well. It's not easy when they have so many bodies in the box, all it takes is the ball to drop to them and one or two nearly did.

"But we stuck to it and in some ways it's even better when you have to grind it out for a 1-0 towards the end, it gives the lads a great feeling, I'm pleased with a lot of things."

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Marcus Forss struck the winner for Boro nine minutes into the second half, his third goal in five games. The summer signing has taken well to his new role on the right flank.

Carrick said: "He's done great. It's the way he's gone about it, his attitude and willingness to try something a bit different. He has played there before so it's not brand new but at the same point he wants to be in the box because he's a good finisher.

"Just because he's playing a bit wider for us doesn't mean he can't get in the box at the right time. I'm delighted with him."