Didier Digard insists he didn't deliberately snub Middlesbrough fans at the end of their win against Wigan.

The £4m midfielder insists there was no snub intended despite him rushing past the Boro fans' open autograph books outside the JJB Stadium.

But Digard told the Evening Gazette: "A couple of fans came up to me for autographs after the match.

"But I had to rush off to Manchester Airport, to catch a plane to meet up with the France Under-21 side. I was a little concerned the fans were worried I was ignoring them.

"The truth is I would loved to have stopped and spent some time with the fans who have made me feel so welcome. But the only way I could meet up with the French Under-21 squad in time was to catch this plane quickly after the match."