Shay Given's Boro loan deal extended...

Aging Villa keeper Shay Given, a big hit since arriving in Middlesbrough a month ago, will stay at the Riverside until February 28 2014.

Boro head honcho Neil Bausor gurgled: "We are extremely delighted to secure the extension of Shay's loan until the end of February."

Shay has played seven games for Boro since making his debut in their home game with Bolton on November 30 and has managed four clean sheets. His run in the team has coincided with Boro's best run of results since November 2012.

• Given is the second most capped player for the Republic of Ireland, having played for them 125 times.
• He made 461 appearances for Newcastle spread over a 12-year stay before moving to Manchester City for just short of £6m on transfer deadline day in January 2009.
• After making 69 appearances for City, Given moved to Aston Villa for a reported £3.5m in the summer of 2011. He has so far made 43 appearances for the Villans.

Meanwhile, Benji Siegrist has extended his loan deal at Burton Albion until February 2nd.