Defender David Wheater has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Middlesbrough.

The 21-year-old , who signed as a trainee for Boro in 2004, has made 28 appearances for the Riverside Stadium club this season.

Wheater, whose contract had been due to expire in the summer, has spent spells on loan at Doncaster, Wolves and Darlington, before playing more regularly for the Barclays Premier League club this season.