MICHAEL Carrick told of his delight for Darragh Lenihan after the defender marked his return to action after a 10-month injury lay-off with the matchwinning Middlesbrough goal at Gateshead.
Lenihan headed in Dan Barlaser's set-piece cross on the half hour mark as Boro continued their preparations for the coming season with a 1-0 win against the impressive National League outfit.
It was a first outing for Lenihan since September last year, with the Ireland international missing the bulk of last season after having surgery on an ankle injury.
"I'm delighted for Darragh," said Carrick.
"It's a long time being out. He's trained with us, we have to be patient and manage him after being out so long. But to have him back was great and the goal was a bonus."
Lenihan was partnered by Jonny Howson at the heart of the defence in the first half before being replaced at the interval by Matt Clarke. Dael Fry was missing with a minor injury.
Carrick said: "Dael is alright. He just had a bit of a niggle, it's nothing serious. Maybe he'll be ready for Saturday, maybe not, but it's nothing to worry about."
READ MORE:
- Perfect comeback, Carrick dilemma & Boro youngster earns chance in Gateshead win
- Luke Ayling explains easy decision after Leeds Utd exit & sends Middlesbrough warning
It was a second straight victory and clean sheet for Boro after the the weekend win over Bolton at Bishop Auckland.
Carrick said: "I thought it was a good game. They're a really, really good team. They play some good football, make you work for it and are very clever. We knew it was going to be a challenge and it was a good game for us. We needed that work and that test. Overall everyone seemed to come through it well.
"The performance was OK. There was a bit of a mix, as you'd expect. Some good things. To win the game and for Darragh to score was great, and we kept a clean sheet. But there are certainly things to work on, which we expect at this stage.
"Everyone seems to have come through it, which is the main thing. These games are what they are. We take certain things, the players are learning and developing and we're trying to put things in place. The boys are training well and playing well, we're in a good place."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here