ALEX Gilbert admits he's been tested by his difficult first season at Middlesbrough but is desperate to kick-on and make a success of his time on Teesside after a memorable first Championship start.

Gilbert joined Boro from Brentford B last summer hoping to establish himself in the first team picture but he's spent the campaign on the fringes and had played just 76 minutes of Championship action before being named in Michael Carrick's starting XI at Cardiff for the first time in the league.

That start came on the back of an encouraging cameo against Leeds last week and Gilbert took his chance against the Bluebirds, teeing up Finn Azaz for Boro's second goal before lashing in the fourth, his first for the club.

The 22-year-old didn't shy away from admitting it's been a frustration season for him, making Saturday all the more special.

"Obviously I’ve been imagining that moment for a long time," he told BBC Tees.

"I’ve had to wait and it's been tough mentally. It hasn’t been easy but I was around a good group of lads who’ve advised me along the way.

"I was definitely hoping to play more than I have, but all I can do is wait for my opportunity and keep my attitude right, which I like to think I have done, and then take the opportunity when it came.

"Hopefully there’s plenty more of them to come and I’ve impressed the gaffer enough so I can play the next game and then I can set myself up for next season by coming back sharp for pre-season and trying to kick on from there."

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Despite his lack of football this season, Gilbert insists he's never doubted his own ability.

“I’ve had to wait for a bit to get that first start but all the lads encouraged me before the game and just gave me the confidence to go out there and do what I know I can do," he said.

"I wouldn’t say I was too nervous. I feel like I’m ready for this level now. Obviously I’ve trained all season with the lads so I know I’m at the level. I feel confident in training, it was just about going out there and doing it actually in front of a crowd. I felt confident and hopefully I built into the game and did well."

Gilbert is now hoping he's done enough to keep his place in the team for the final game of the season against Watford, which will almost certainly be the case.

He said: “Another start would be great for me. I feel I deserve it, so hopefully it will come. In training during the week I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing. Recover now and then work hard. Hopefully I can get another start and another goal."