MICHAEL Carrick said Isaiah Jones "lit up the Riverside" against Hull City - with the Middlesbrough head coach "looking forward to seeing what's possible" for the winger.

Jones returned to form in blistering fashion for Boro against the Tigers, coming off the bench at half-time and inspiring a stunning comeback, setting up two of Boro's three goals in a breathtaking 16-minute spell.

The former non-league winger has, by own his admission, endured a "difficult" time on and off the pitch in recent months and lost his place in the Boro matchday squad for a spell of games.

But his return to action against Norwich City last week impressed Carrick, and he built on that with a thrilling display on Wednesday night.

"It's what we all want to see," said Carrick of Jones' return to form.

"It's what Izzy is capable of and I was delighted to see him light up the stadium again and have that spark and get his rewards.

"I thought there was a spark the other day when he came on and we've definitely seen him back to himself around the place and the training ground which is brilliant.

"We said all along about the squad about how important [it is] and people will play their part at certain times and he certainly did that tonight. I was really, really pleased to see him back."

READ MORE:

Jones burst onto the scene last season, enjoying a brilliant breakthrough but struggled to maintain that form in the early stages of this campaign. That is something Carrick has seen dozens of time throughout his career in the game. Young players have ups and downs, says Boro's head coach, whose focus throughout recent months has been on helping Jones rediscover his form and belief.

He said: "Young players have ups, they have downs and it's not an easy place. You're performing and all eyes are on you. Sometimes things become a little bit more difficult and the game doesn't come as easy for you.

"I think it's probably underestimated at times. We expect players to be at their best all the time. Certainly for young players you can't always expect that and it's up to us in our roles to help them understand that and develop them, support them in different ways.

"When you see Izzy come back - there's still a lot to come from him and I'm looking forward to seeing what's possible - to see that tonight was pleasing."

With Aaron Ramsey and Riley McGree sidelined, and Marcus Forss injuring his ankle against Hull, Jones could now be set for a key role in the run-in.