Nottingham Forest defender Michael Mancienne feels that his side's win over Middlesbrough is "massive" in the context of their season.

Dougie Freedman's men fell behind early in the game as Grant Leadbitter put Boro ahead, but Gary Gardner got the home side back on level terms before the break.

Dexter Blackstock netted their second in the 65th minute and that proved to be the decisive goal as Forest claimed the the three points at the City Ground.

Mancienne told the club's official website: "Everyone put a shift in and worked hard for each other. For periods of the game Middlesbrough had a lot of the ball, but we stayed in our shape and stayed focused.

"It's a massive win for us. I'm really happy to have been a part of it. We thoroughly deserved it – the boys worked really hard for that victory."

Forest are ninth in the Championship table, nine points adrift of the playoff places, with 10 games left to play this season.