Boro move to secure Morrison

Middlesbrough winger James Morrison has signed a new deal at The Riverside which ties him to the Premiership club until 2009.

The 20-year-old has impressed many observers during his short career and will now look to carve out a regular place for himself under new boss Gareth Southgate.

Morrison's previous deal was due to expire in 2008 but after another promising campaign last season, during which he was named in the starting line-up for the Uefa Cup final defeat to Sevilla, the club have handed him an improved deal.

The England youth international is just one of a number of bright young prospects to emerge from the Boro academy in recent years, and he could start the season in the first XI with Gaizka Mendieta still regaining his fitness.

Morrison has already made 61 appearances during his Riverside career, scoring six goals, and with his future secure will now hope for a productive Premiership campaign.