Bates boost for Boro

Middlesbrough utility man Matthew Bates has signed a three-year contract extension to end speculation over his future.

The 22-year-old, who has been linked with Wolves, Wigan, West Ham and Fulham since Boro’s relegation from the Barclays Premier League, has committed himself to the club until 2012.

That will come as a huge boost to manager Gareth Southgate, who used him both at the back and in central midfield following his return from a third cruciate ligament operation last season.