Middlesbrough midfielder Didier Digard has played himself back into first-team contention by getting 90 minutes under his belt for the reserves.

The Frenchman completed the game and was on the scoresheet as Boro defeat derby rivals Newcastle 2-1 in Tuesday night's Totesport.com League game at the Riverside Stadium.

It was Digard's first 90-minute run-out since February as he continued his recovery from a groin injury.

Reserve-team coach Martin Scott told the club's official website: "Didier has had a lot to cope with through injuries, but these last few weeks he has trained really hard and worked well with our physios.

"He has a lot to offer the first team and is knocking on the door again now."