MICHAEL Carrick highlighted the importance of an "unbelievable" defensive effort as Middlesbrough got off the mark with a 1-0 opening day victory over Swansea City at the Riverside.

Emmanuel Latte Lath struck from the spot in the first half to earn a first opening day win in a decade for Boro.

And although Carrick was frustrated his side didn't turn their dominance into more goals, he hailed his defenders for their efforts in the second half in particular - with Swansea leaving the Riverside having failed to manage a single shot on target.

The visitors did have their moments, with Seny Dieng making a brave first half interception and Luke Ayling and Rav van den Berg making two brilliant last minute goal-saving blocks.

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Carrick said: "I'm delighted. I knew it was going to be a hard game. They're a good team and make you work for it, they did when they came here at the end of last season.

"I'm really pleased. I thought the discipline and the attitude of the players to stick to the plan and not get frustrated and cut off certain spaces was excellent. The amount of chances we had, we could have made it a lot easier for ourselves.

"I said it wasn't going to be perfect but we defended incredibly well as a team, protected the goal and box unbelievably well towards the end. All round, really good, really happy."

Carrick added: "It's something to build on. The rest of the game will follow suit in terms of being a bit more progressive with the ball at times and putting chances away. But I'm pleased that we feel we can play that way and still be dangerous.

"We have the players to shut off certain spaces and break on transitions but also to control the ball and dominate the game. It's a nice mix to have."

Latte Lath hit nine goals in his last eight games last season and Carrick was pleased to see his star striker waste no time in getting off the mark this term.

He said: "It's pretty obvious to say (how important he is).

"Manu has done a lot for us over a period of time now since he really got fit. For strikers it's important to score, it's a good feeling. We've shared them out pre-season, I'm sure the boys are all looking to chip in and help each other score goals. Certainly for Manu it's a good start."