Matt Crooks has come off the bench to score dramatic late winners in the last two Middlesbrough games, but Michael Carrick sees the stoppage time hero as much more than just an impact substitute.

Crooks stepped off the bench to lash home a 91st minute winner against Luton Town on Saturday, with the former Rotherham United man having also struck in the dying seconds at Norwich City before the World Cup stoppage.

Carrick named the same starting XI for the fifth successive league game against the Hatters but again stressed the importance of his full squad, and said the impact of both Crooks and Duncan Watmore from the bench showed that those players who are having to be patient can still be ken men.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough 2-1 Luton as Matt Crooks inspires Boro to another brilliant comeback

"He's a hugely important player for us, Crooksy, I don't just see him as a substitute," said Carrick after the last minute winner that extended his side's unbeaten stretch to five games and moved Boro into the top half, just three points shy of the top six.

"I'm sure he doesn't see himself just as that. Over recent games he's come on and made a difference for us. I've spoken about it, the squad is so important for us.

"I know it's easy to say that but sometimes when you're sitting on the bench or not in the squad and want to be playing it can be a tough place to be. I fully understand that, but there's a part for everyone to play and that proves it today.

"I thought Duncan and Crooksy when they both came on made an impact."

Chuba Akpom also made an impact, cancelling out Jordan Clark's Luton opener with his fifth goal in six league games. He's now joint top scorer in the Championship with nine goals.

"What can I say about him that I haven't said over the last few weeks," said Carrick.

"His all-round game is important for us, how he links things, playing in that position that gives opponents problems. But obviously the goals are hugely significant and that was another great goal and good little link-up with Gilo (Ryan Giles) again.

"It's nice to see and long may it continue."

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