What Middlesbrough manager had to say after Iheanacho's first-ever Championship double assist

Kelechi Iheanacho inspired Middlesbrough to a crucial 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Friday night at Ewood Park, notching his first-ever brace of assists in the Championship.

Middlesbrough's promotion push gained momentum with the win, lifting them into the playoff spots after their fifth victory in seven league matches.

Boro made their early dominance count, taking the lead through Tommy Conway, who used a quick touch to turn away from a defender and fired a stunning left-foot shot past goalkeeper Aynsley Pears after he was teed up by Kelechi Iheanacho in the second minute.

Six minutes later, the visitors doubled the advantage with the Nigeria international involved in the buildup once again.

Samuel Iling-Junior slotted home from the edge of the box, with Iheanacho providing the assist.

After failing to register a goal or assist in his first seven games for Middlesbrough following his winter move from Sevilla, Iheanacho now has three goal involvements in his last two matches.

Rather than focusing on Iheanacho's individual performance, Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick commended the team.

Carrick underlined that in football, it’s not always about who scores or who provides the assists but the impact each player has on the game and the roles they execute.

When asked if he was delighted with Iheanacho, the Manchester United legend told Boro media: "I just think the boys are in a good place and the squad's in it together, and everyone is playing the part which is important.

"At this time, who scores, who sets it up, it's more of how you impact the game and the roles within it.

"Everyone is giving everything they got and that was tonight. I don't think if we don't have the right attitude or spirit, that can get a touchy game tonight but we've seen it off really well."

Middlesbrough return to action on Tuesday evening when Leeds United make the trip to the Riverside Stadium.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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