DAEL Fry told of his pride in reaching 200 appearances for his hometown club Middlesbrough - and celebrated in style by keeping a clean sheet against Millwall in the type of game he "lives for".

It's seven and a half years since Fry was handed his Boro debut by Aitor Karanka when he was just 17 in a 0-0 draw at Preston, in what was the first game of a season that culminated in promotion.

The Teessider was celebrating another clean sheet in his landmark 200th appearance, and will be hoping there's another promotion to come, as Boro climbed to fourth after their fourth successive Championship success.

“It’s absolutely crazy. My debut at Preston seems like yesterday really, but to make it to 200 appearances is massive achievement for me," said Fry of his Middlesbrough milestone.

"My sister messaged me last night telling me that was the case and I was like, ‘why did you have to tell me that? That’s a lot of pressure now and we’ve got to win!’ But I’m absolutely over the moon to have achieved that for my hometown club. All my family are from here, they’re all proud and I’m really enjoying my football. It means a lot to me."

Fry marked the occasion by helping Boro to their first shut-out since the World Cup but it didn't come easy against Millwall, which made the success all the more satisfying for the defender.

He said: “Millwall are a good team and play a particular way. It’s ugly at times but you’ve got to stick in there. We kept a clean sheet, which we haven’t had in a long time, so for us defenders, that’s what we live for - clean sheets. Those wins are the best, I think.

"Towards the end they’re putting balls in the box and you’re heading them away. As a defender, that’s what I live for and I enjoyed that one. No heart in mouth moments for me, genuinely, as a defender, I love games like that.

"Your back’s against the wall, you’re 1-0 up and they’re constantly pumping balls in the box. I know it’s not a nice way to play, but as a defender when you’re finding a way to get in the way of everything and you hear the fans giving you that big cheer, I love that.

"I think Chuba was back there making one in the last minute that got a huge roar from the crowd and it just shows that we’re all in this together - there is a real togetherness in this team and it really shows on the pitch."

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With Darragh Lenihan out injured, Fry was partnered by Paddy McNair, who made his first league start under Carrick.

“It’s always tough when you’re not in the team but you’ve got to stay ready for when that chance might come," said Fry.

"Paddy was ready and I thought he was absolutely fantastic today. I love playing with Paddy, and I love playing with Darragh too. They’re both loud, vocal lads on the pitch, and two lovely lads off it as well. You look at our bench and everyone can come off it and do a job, so everyone has got to be ready. That’s what Paddy has done so credit to him."

Fry also explained why he's been playing in a face mask in recent weeks.

“I got a knee to my face against Luton [from Carlton Morris] but it was just one of those things and if I have to wear it for a few games to get through them then fine," he said.

"The first game I wore it was a bit strange because I could sort of see it out the corner of my eye. But now I’m more used to it and it’s fine playing with it, so it’s not a problem."