Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick says his side’s goalless draw against Rovers felt like “two points dropped”.

Boro had won three successive matches in the league but were forced to settle for a point against John Eustace’s side.

"I am frustrated really,” Carrick admitted. “I think it was one of those games where we needed a moment and couldn't quite find it, whether it was the pass or the finish.

"There was some alright football in between the boxes and we defended the box alright but couldn't quite find the moment.

"I thought we started alright and looked bright and dangerous. We had a couple of opportunities that didn't quite go in for us, then we lacked quality after that and didn't have the moment to make a difference.

"There is always a positive. The clean sheet, Seny (Dieng) has had to make a couple of saves but nothing extra special.

“We defended the box pretty well. Of course, the clean sheet is important but we hope for more and the point doesn't do an awful lot. It is a little one to add to the tally but really it is winning games that matters."

Marcus Forss limped off with a hamstring problem during the opening 45 minutes, but Carrick refused to make excuses for his side's lack of potency in the final third.

"We started well and in some ways the spaces we were opening up maybe suited having Riley (McGree) and Finn (Azaz) on the pitch, we just couldn’t capitalise on that,” he added.

"Of course, you have done work preparing for the game and plan but that is football and you have got to adapt. In the end, we just couldn’t quite make the difference.

"There is a cluster of games but it is what we are used to so I don't think that is a reason for it. Tuesday, Saturday is fine, there is plenty of time to recover."