Muzzy Carayol back for Middlesbrough before being replaced by teenage Hartlepool prospect Harry Chapman

The Middlesbrough winger played the opening 58 minutes of the 3-0 defeat at Brighton yesterday in the Premier Reserve League.

It was the 26-year-old’s first appearance since suffering ruptured cruciate knee ligament damage further along the south coast at Bournemouth in the Championship draw in March.

Carayol came through the U21 match unscathed, tweeting afterwards: “Storm is over... I can see the sunshine.”

There was little sunshine for Boro at Lancing, where they missed the chance to go top of the league table.

Boro were beaten by half-time, conceding three times in the first 45 minutes.

The visitors conceded a penalty when referee Ryan Atkin ruled Jonathan Burn had handled. Luke Coddington kept out the spot-kick but was powerless to prevent Jess Starkey from tapping in the rebound.

Brighton made it 2-0 on 39 minutes when Jesse Starkey netted from 12 yards.

Three minutes later, the Seagulls sealed the points when Jeffrey Monkana cut in from the left and his shot, while not convincing, put Brighton three up.

Boro had their moments and after the break Carayol set up Jordan Jones who was thwarted by a good save from Christian Walton.

A trio of Poolies were in action for Middlesbrough.

Boro had a penalty appeal turned down when Ryan Brobbel was caught in the box.

Teenage prospect Harry Chapman came on for Carayol just before the hour and looked lively from his first involvement.

Bryn Morris, back at Boro following his loan spell at League Two promotion candidates Burton Albion, hit the post.

Ultimately, Boro were left to rue their first-half display but the return of Carayol provided a silver lining.