Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has rewarded defender Jonathan Grounds for his progress with a new deal at the Riverside.

The highly-rated youngster has signed a two-year contract to extend his stay on Teesside.

Grounds made his debut in the first team earlier this season against Liverpool and has gone on to make six appearances for Southgate's men.

The 20-year-old has been rewarded for his progress with a new deal and Grounds is determined to become a regular in the side.

"I signed a new deal on Friday and I'm just looking to move forward really," Grounds told the Evening Gazette.

"For me it's a case of taking my chance when I get it. Hopefully I might get another chance before the end of the season and if I do I've got to take it.

"It's been good playing in the first team and I played as well as I could.

"Obviously the management saw that and offered me a new deal which is great.

"I'm just looking to push on over the next two years. I need to have a good pre-season and then hopefully I'll get my chance next season."

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