MICHAEL CARRICK is hoping Middlesbrough youngster Kamil Conteh will have a hugely-beneficial learning experience when he lines up for Gateshead in tomorrow’s FA Trophy final at Wembley.

Gateshead take on Halifax Town in the non-league showpiece to end a successful season that saw Mike Williamson’s side shrug off relegation fears to eventually finish in a creditable 14th position in the National League table.

Conteh, who is a full Sierra Leone international, joined Gateshead on loan in October, and while his deal was initially due to expire in January, it was extended to the end of the season after he made a successful start to life at the International Stadium.

The 20-year-midfielder has made 35 senior appearances for the Heed, and should be involved in tomorrow’s Wembley final.

“It should be a terrific experience for him - playing at Wembley and such a big occasion,” said Carrick. “That's the beauty of younger players getting different experiences when going out on loan.

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“For some, it's really successful because they're playing and winning and getting experiences like the one Kamil is. Or there's others where you might be out of the team a little bit and you've got to fight to get back in the team.”

Like Josh Coburn and Hayden Coulson, who spent most of the season on loan at Bristol Rovers and Aberdeen respectively, Conteh will return to Boro’s Rockliffe Park training ground for the start of pre-season training later this summer hoping to secure a place in Carrick’s first-team squad.

While the youngster might only have made the short move up the A1 to Gateshead, Carrick is hoping he will have learned plenty, both on and off the field.

“You’re learning to live away from home,” said the Boro boss. “That's the beauty of loans for younger players and gaining as much experience as you can to help you in your career ahead.

“Obviously, we wish him all the best. It's a huge game for him and Gateshead, and a great experience.”