Middlesbrough defender Tony McMahon has penned a new three-year contract with the club.

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The deal ties the 23-year-old right-back to the Riverside Stadium until summer 2012.

McMahon made his debut back in October 2005, but his progress has been hampered by a series of serious injuries, including a broken leg, a dislocated shoulder and knee problems.

McMahon told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to sign a new deal with Boro. It's exactly what I wanted. Even when I went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday earlier this season I always said I wanted to come back to Middlesbrough.

"Why would I want to leave? I've been through a lot but the club always stood by me. Now I've got aims that I want to achieve here."

McMahon has set his sights on captaining the Teessiders, adding: "There's no reason why I can't achieve things with my hometown club. I want to captain the team and I want to win something."

Boro boss Gareth Southgate paid tribute to McMahon's character to bounce back from his injury problems.

He said: "Tony's had a long battle back from two very serious injuries and he's got himself back in the first team squad.

"He warrants a new contract on what he has achieved in recent months. There are still big challenges ahead for him to try and force his way into the team regularly, but he has shown tremendous character to come back from the injuries and show people that he is able to play at this level. His character is one of his biggest assets."

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