MICHAEL Carrick hailed the "unbelievable service" of Chris Moseley as Middlesbrough's head physio bid farewell after more than 20 years at the club.

Moseley is taking up an exciting new challenge as head of medical at New York Red Bulls and Saturday's 0-0 draw with Blackburn at the Riverside was his last at Boro.

Moseley joined at the start of the 2002/03 season and was part of the backroom team that led Boro to their Carling Cup success in 2004 and the memorable UEFA Cup journeys that followed, culminating in the 2006 final appearance in Eindhoven.

In 2011, he was promoted by Tony Mowbray and became head physio - a role he held for almost 13 years before announcing his exit last week.

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Carrick said: "It’s been unbelievable service from Mose for so long.

"I’ve worked with him now for 18 months or so and he’s been fantastic for me with his support, but obviously a lot longer than that for the club and the success he’s had since he’s been here.

"On behalf of me and the club, we wish him all the very best. A new chapter and new adventure for him and his family, so hopefully it goes well for him."

Moseley posted on X, formerly Twitter: "I feel privileged to have been part of the club's history, being in the backroom team that won the Carling Cup, had fantastic UEFA Cup runs and the highest ever Premier League finish.

"I have worked with some unbelievable members of staff, managers and players during my time, while experiencing the high and low periods and memories associated that will always live with me.

"Too many people to thank but they know who they are and special thanks to Tony Mowbray, who gave me the chance to lead the department, Adam Reed for being my lieutenant for 18 years, Nick Allamby, who has been my right hand man from the start and of course Steve Gibson. Without him, none of us would be here.

"Good luck to Michael and the boys going forward. You are in good hands. Thanks for having me. UTB."

Boro's players who aren't going away on international duty will be given some time off to freshen up before attention turns to the home straight and the final eight games of the season.

Carrick said: "We have to get the balance right in terms of freshening them up - with the exception of the few boys going away - and also making we’re ready for the next one.

"When we come back, we play on the Friday so there’s a very short turnaround from getting the boys back to being ready for Friday 3pm. It’s shorter than normal but we’ll make the most of it. Whether it’s the right or wrong time for us, it is what it is. It doesn’t really make a difference."