Michael Carrick is hoping Middlesbrough’s Kamil Conteh will be the star at Wembley

Gateshead meet Halifax Town in the non-league tournament, ending a successful season that saw Mike Williamson’s side stave off fears of relegation to finish in a respectable 14th place in the National League table.

Conteh, who is a full-time Sierra Leone international, joined Gateshead on loan in October and although his contract was originally due to expire in January, it was extended until the end of the season after making a successful start to life at the International Stadium .

The 20-year-old midfielder has made 35 appearances for the Heed senior team and is expected to be in tomorrow’s Wembley final.

“It should be a great experience for him – to play at Wembley and on such a big occasion,” Carrick said. “That’s the beauty of it, younger players have different experiences when they go on loan.

CONTINUE READING:

“For some it’s really successful because they play, win and gain experience like Kamil. Or there are others where you might be a little bit off the team and have to struggle to get back on the team.”

Like Josh Coburn and Hayden Coulson, who have spent most of the season on loan at Bristol Rovers and Aberdeen respectively, Conteh will return to Boro’s Rockliffe Park training ground later this summer for the start of pre-season training and is hoping to earn a place in Carrick’s first secure team -team squad.

While the youngster may have only made the short climb up the A1 to Gateshead, Carrick hopes he learned a great deal on and off the field.

“You learn to live far from home,” said the Boro boss. “That’s the beauty of loans for younger players and getting as much experience as possible to develop further in your career.

“Of course we wish him all the best. It’s a big game for him and Gateshead and a great experience.”