MICHAEL CARRICK was involved in plenty of massive occasions as a player – but the Middlesbrough head coach admits will feel very different when he experiences his biggest game so far as a head coach tomorrow lunchtime.

Boro head to the CBS Arena to take Coventry City in the first leg of their play-off semi-final, and potentially stand just three games away from a return to the Premier League.

Carrick won the Premier League as a player, and also lifted the Champions League and FA Cup as well as playing for England, so he is hardly a stranger to high-pressure matches.

However, unlike when he was patrolling the heart of midfield with Manchester United, he will not be able to directly influence proceedings when the referee blows his whistle to start the game tomorrow.

Carrick said: “It’s different. In some ways, I’ve got more responsibilities now because I’m guiding the boys and have a bit more influence on it. But then in some ways, the fact that you’re not actually out there performing, it feels as though you’re relinquishing a bit of the control.

READ MORE:

“When you’re having to perform as a player, it definitely felt different. It’s different knowing you’ve got to perform on the pitch to when I’m standing out there now on the touchline. It is different in that respect.”

So, does Carrick prefer the wider sense of control he now enjoys as a head coach. Or would he rather be pulling on his boots tomorrow?

He said: “There’s pluses and minuses to comparing both. It’s incredible when you’re playing and achieving things. You have that sense of directly influencing games and that real sense of occasion.

“Now, being in the position I’m in, I’ve got the opportunity to influence things in a different way and guide things in a direction that I’m comfortable with. It can be very rewarding.”