MICHAEL Carrick has told Alex Gilbert more opportunities will come his way if he keeps working hard after the forward made his Middlesbrough debut from the bench at Bradford.

Gilbert was a substitute in the first five league games this season but hasn't been in the matchday squad for the last three Championship fixtures. He was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup second round win at Bolton but got his first taste of action at Valley Parade on Tuesday night, coming off the bench for the last 20 minutes or so.

Having arrived from Brentford B and lacking first team experience, Carrick said patience was always going to be required with Gilbert, who signed a four-year deal on Teesside when he joined in the summer.

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“That was Alex’s first game tonight so it’s a big night for him and I’m delighted for him," said the head coach after watching his side book their place in the fourth round with a comfortable 2-0 win against their League Two hosts on Tuesday.

"He’s joined us from Brentford’s second team and it was important for him to come in tonight and be part of it.

"We’re patient with Alex. He trains well and is a big part of the group, but he’s looking for opportunities just like everybody else. They will come at some stage, he’s just got to keep working hard,  keep developing, which is what he is doing at the moment.”