Boro enjoyed a successful mid-season friendly in Scotland with a 2-0 win at Hibernian.
While goals from Chuba Akpom and Sonny Finch proved the difference between the two sides, Michael Carrick was delighted to see so many of the club's youngsters involved in the game against the SPL side.
Carrick had brought a large squad north of the border with the intention being to blood both young players and provide game-time for some of the seniors, who hadn’t figured in recent weeks.
The first-half selection included opportunities for Luke Daniels, left-back Sam Collins, Jack Robinson, Caolan Boyd-Munce, and Pharrell Willis among others.
Daniels had one early save to make and Boyd-Munce picked out Willis with a neat ball and the youngster lifted his shot over the top.
There was also a penalty appeal waved away when a Hibs defender appeared to go through the back of Rodrigo Muniz.
On the stroke of half-time, Hibs goalkeeper David Marshall was called upon to make his first save of the game after Boyd-Munce tried his luck from distance.
The second half saw only Paddy McNair and Willis remaining from the opening 45 minutes.
With nine changes, Yacou Traore, Jack Hannah, and Finch were the young players given a run-out.
The hosts also shuffled their pack and Liam Roberts was called upon to make a couple of early saves.
Boro were in front on the hour, though, and it was a familiar combination. Ryan Giles delivered a cross from the left and there was the in-form Akpom to head home.
Hibs looked to respond with a well struck free-kick, but Roberts equal to the effort and beat the ball away.
It was 2-0 moments later. Akpom brought the ball forward before laying it to Giles who crossed for Finch to score a well taken goal.
