THERE was a time when Michael Carrick would have spent every midweek night glued to the Champions League – now, he finds himself shunning the European elite in order to watch Josh Coburn strutting his stuff for Bristol Rovers.

While Liverpool were getting their season back on track at Ajax last night, and Spurs were suffering stoppage-time VAR heartbreak against Sporting Lisbon, Coburn was scoring his second goal in successive matches as Bristol Rovers drew 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

The 19-year-old is on a season-long loan at the Memorial Ground from Middlesbrough, with the deal containing a clause that could see him recalled to Teesside in January.

Carrick is still getting to know all of the players on Boro’s books, and therefore relished the opportunity to watch Coburn performing live on Sky.

“That’s the ideal scenario for him,” said the new Boro boss. “Going out on loan and getting great experience.

“It was a terrific finish from Josh last night, I was watching it, and you could see how much it meant to him. The joy on his face and that feeling of scoring goals, I was chuffed to bits for him.

“He did really well, and that’s what the aim of going out on loan and getting that experience is all about - going out, playing games when it really matters in the result and there’s something on the line, and being able to cope with that. I was really pleased to see him doing well.”