Kim Hellberg saluted his Middlesbrough players for showing the right character to deliver victory after enduring a big scare from a dangerous Norwich.

Despite coming from behind to claim a 3-1 lead at the Riverside in the first half, Boro had former Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips to thank for a stoppage-time winner after the Canaries had fought back to level.

Phillips, with the first senior league goal of his career, ensured that Middlesbrough climbed up to fourth with a third home win from three this season.

And Middlesbrough boss Hellberg said: “If you look at the game as a neutral, it was a fantastic game. This was two teams that does everything they can to win the game.

Middlesbrough's Ashley Phillips celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal in the win over Norwich (Picture: Bruce Rollinson/PA)

placeholder image — Middlesbrough's Ashley Phillips celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal in the win over Norwich (Picture: Bruce Rollinson/PA)

“In that way it was a fantastic game, there was a lot of quality, the best version of football that I like – two teams going at each other is brilliant.

“We were the better team over 90 minutes, even though we played a very strong team. I am happy with that and it was down to the character of the boys and getting the win when things weren’t going our way second half.

“The strong thing for this group is how they support each other. I see so many who were outside the squad who today celebrated like it was important for them; that is not always how it is but this group is fantastic like that.

“I need to help the players know what we should do better to win the games. Game management is a massive thing. The character of the players won us the game.”