Message to Alex Gilbert from Michael Carrick as he finally makes his Middlesbrough debut
The victory over Bradford City in the Carabao Cup marked the former Brentford winger’s debut in Boro gear.
In Tuesday night’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City, Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick was thrilled to see summer acquisition Alex Gilbert make his Boro debut.
Prior to Tuesday night’s victory at Valley Parade, the former Brentford winger had not been seen wearing Boro gear since arriving on Teesside in the summer. However, Riley McGree’s replacement, a 21-year-old, was introduced by Carrick, who was impressed with his effort.
Gilbert was one of the 12 players who were signed over the summer, although he has had very little opportunity to play. Although Carrick had been anxious to emphasise that he would have his chance, he was named to the bench for the first five Championship games without playing and was absent for the final three. That occurred last night against Bradford, and the Boro manager stated he will have more opportunities.
Alex’s first game was tonight, so it was a big night for him, and I’m happy for him, said Carrick. “It was crucial for him to come in tonight and be a part of it. He joined us from Brentford’s second team.
“Alex has our patience. Although he contributes much to the group and trains hard, he nevertheless seeks opportunities like everyone else. They will appear eventually; all he needs to do is keep up his current pace of development and hard effort.
Gilbert and the fringe players for Boro are aiming for more first-team opportunities during a busy run of games as they travel to Watford in the Championship on Saturday and host Cardiff City on Tuesday, October 3.
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