Cup competitions can often be described as an unneccessary distraction, particularly from the Championship clubs whose modest sized squads are fully focused on their ultimate aim of reaching the Premier League. Not so in the case of Michael Carrick and his Middlesbrough troops who have relished every cup game they have encountered this season. Their reward for treating the cup competitions with respect? A two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final affair with Chelsea, that offers the opportunity of a major final at Wembley and the chance for silverware for the victor. Unlucky in defeatUnfortunately for…