Aitor Karanka: Adomah AFCON snub was benefit for Boro

English championship side Middlesbrough have benefited from Albert Adomah's African Cup of Nations snub, according to manager Aitor Karanka.

Karanka however believes his winger should have been included in Ghana's squad for last month's competition.

'I think he deserved to go because he's a very good player,' said the Boro boss.

'For me, it was good he didn't go, but he did deserve to go. I think it has spurred him on. I think it was good for him because it meant he was very committed here. He is a very important player for us, not just on the pitch but in the changing room as well.'

In Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Bolton, Adomah scored his first Boro goal since the 2-1 win at Brighton in October. Despite the lack of goals, Karanka has been pleased with how last season's top scorer is performing.

'He's a good character,' he said. 'He's always joking but working hard. He's a winner and his personality is good. After scoring against Bolton he is going to be more confident.

'In the last games, including the Man City game, he didn't have a lot of chances but he created.

'He could have lost his confidence a bit, but now he has scored he will be a very important player for us in the next two months.'