'Celebrated the most' - Middlesbrough coach lauds Iheanacho's attitude despite bench role at Stoke

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has hailed Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho for his passionate reaction to the team's 3-1 victory over Stoke City on Tuesday night, despite not featuring in the match.

Iheanacho, who joined Boro on loan from Sevilla in the winter transfer window, remained on the bench throughout the game. 

However, his enthusiasm and support for his teammates did not go unnoticed.

During the match, the Super Eagles forward was seen celebrating wildly from the sidelines when Marcus Forss opened the scoring in the first half. 

A post-match video shared by the club also captured Iheanacho's excitement as he joined his teammates in celebrating the crucial victory in the dressing room.

Carrick, speaking after the game and reported by Gazette Live, praised Iheanacho's attitude and team spirit.

"Kel didn't play tonight and he's on loan. He's played in the games that have proven difficult when we haven't won. He's done well but we changed it tonight," Carrick said.

"He celebrated the most of anyone when that first goal went in. He was bouncing off the bench and celebrating like anything. When I turned around and saw that, I thought, we're going to be all right."

Since his move from Sevilla, Iheanacho has struggled to make an impact, featuring in three matches against Sheffield United, Watford, and Bristol City, all of which ended in defeats for Boro.

With 12 games left in the season, the 28-year-old will be hoping to contribute more on the pitch as Middlesbrough aims to push for a playoff spot, now sitting just four points off the top six.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: mfc.co.uk

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