Zack Steffen was told that he wasn't in the USA squad for the World Cup four hours before Middlesbrough's game against Blackpool in midweek - but determined to not disrupt Boro focus he kept the bad news to himself until after the game at Bloomfield Road.

Michael Carrick hailed the "incredible" character of the keeper who recovered from that World Cup heartbreak to first keep a clean sheet against Blackpool and then put in a brilliant performance to help Boro win at Norwich City on Saturday.

Steffen made a string of superb saves to deny the Canaries at Carrow Road, playing a major role as Boro came from behind to win and extended their unbeaten run to four games.

Head coach Carrick has been hugely impressed with the Manchester City loanee since he arrived at Boro and this week told of his surprise at USA head coach Gregg Berhalter's decision to leave the keeper out of the USA squad.

After the Norwich victory, Carrick said: “It was an incredible response from him. It’s been a tough week for him but I’ve got to say, both games he’s been excellent. 

"He only got a phone call four hours before the Blackpool game to tell him, which I thought was very unfair to be honest, and the timing wasn’t great at all. I wasn’t aware of it until after the game because he kept it to himself and got on with the game. 

"That’s not an easy thing to do when you’ve had that news and shows his character.

"The way he played today, and all week, he’s been absolutely top-class. It was disappointing for him to have to go through that, especially when we had a big game on Tuesday night. But he’s come through it and shown his character and his class and I’m really pleased for him.

"He can go away now, have a break and come back stronger."