Michael Carrick believes Middlesbrough’s 4-1 victory is a “good step” for his side after they returned to winning ways against QPR at Loftus Road in the Sky Bet Championship.
Boro travelled to London on Tuesday night following their 3-0 humbling against Coventry at the weekend.
Carrick’s men stormed into a 2-0 lead through Riley McGree and Tommy Conway and, after Anfernee Dijksteel turned the ball into his own net, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Dan Barlaser added the extras late on.
“I’m delighted, we had to work for it,” Carrick told reporters post-match. “Credit to QPR, they made us work but the quality was good and we showed character and composure to see the game through.
“It’s good for the boys, they gave everything, their attitude and effort is top drawer. It’s just experience with how to see games out, it was a test at 2-1 but we saw it out and the boys off the bench made a good impact for us.
“It’s a good step for us and to win, the way it happened, the boys will take a boost after they pulled that one off.”
Eighteen-year-old Liverpool loanee Ben Doak shone off the right as he skinned Hevertton Santos to set up McGree’s opener.
Doak’s assist is his second goal contribution of the season and Carrick talked up the youngster, adding: “He’s got good enthusiasm and with the way he plays, he’s positive and direct. There’s levels to decision-making with dribbling but to have purpose and energy to keep trying is a joy to see and it’s refreshing.
“He’s dangerous, the first goal was good to set it up and he was rewarded for it.”
Another defeat for Marti Cifuentes’ men extended QPR’s winless run to 10 successive league matches.
“It was a game that we started slow,” he said when reflecting on the defeat.
“In three minutes we conceded two which we should defend better, we reacted after that and their keeper made three good saves.
“At half-time we felt that we needed to keep believing, we put more pressure with our goal and kept pushing and risked more but a counter and a very good player came off the bench (Latte Lath) – it was over.
“They got it right, they had two shots and two goals and had the quality to finish the actions. It’s disappointing, today’s result, but we need to look forward and change the dynamic.”
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