MICHAEL Carrick has paid tribute to "first class" Duncan Watmore after the forward left Middlesbrough for Millwall earlier this week.

Watmore featured in eight games under Carrick and was an integral figure on and off the pitch, but with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, Boro didn't want to stand in the forward's way when the opportunity to sign a long-term deal with the Lions presented itself.

And Carrick has wished Watmore well at The Den, with the forward potentially making his debut against former club Sunderland this weekend.

Carrick said: “I was sad to see Dunc go because I like him a lot. I like him a lot as a man and how he goes about his business, how he was around the place and what he brought to the group.

"He was great with me and we had some really good conversations. I always want to do what’s best for players and you’re still trying to work it out so that everybody gets what they want out of situations and that it suits everybody.

"I think this move did in the end with Dunc, but nevertheless, it’s never easy when you see a good man go. For what he brought to squad and his attitude around the place and in training, he was first-class and I wish him all the best with his future."

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Since leaving Boro, Watmore has told of his love for the club and described his time on Teesside as the best two-and-a-half years of his career so it comes as no surprise to hear Carrick say the forward left on good terms.

He said: “It’s about people at the end of the day and looking out for each other and having respect for each other. That’s something I’m really conscious off. Of course, not every player can stay here and play. At some points, players have got to leave.

"But hopefully I try and do things in the right way, and Dunc definitely didn’t leave in bad terms at all. He’s been terrific since I’ve been here, but we all understood the situation that it was and in the end it worked out for everyone, which I’m really pleased about."