Gareth Southgate has received a boost after revealing Gary O’Neil has committed his future to Middlesbrough.

The midfielder found life tough in his first year on Teesside and it had been suggested he would look to head back to the south of England.

Southgate held talks with O’Neil following his return to pre-season and he claims the 25-year-old is focused on forging a successful career in the North East.

"I am delighted,” said Southgate. “He has come back a lot more settled and he is determined to try to give it a go.

"He feels after the second half of last season, he owes us a little bit, and it is fantastic to know that.

"I am delighted. He was superb up to Christmas for us and then because he was unsettled and doing a lot of travelling, that affected his performances.

"But I am thrilled that he has come back and wants to play a big part with us because we know the quality of his play."

glad hes finally settling down in the north east its the damn wheather