Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has praised his players for securing all three points away at Derby County on Tuesday, singling out Patrick Bamford who played despite being ill the previous day.

The former Rams loanee struck the game's only goal in the second half, rounding keeper Lee Grant before slotting the ball into the net to secure a 1-0 win at the iPro Stadium.

Karanka told Gazette Live: "It was a massive win against one of the best teams in the division I can't speak highly enough about my players, they were brilliant.

"Patrick was feeling unwell the night before the game but he said he wanted to play and once again he's been so important to the team."

Only goal difference separates second-placed Boro - on 72 points - from leaders Watford at the top of the Championship table.