MIDDLESBROUGH have agreed a deal with Aston Villa to keep Shay Given at the Riverside until the end of February.

Given was due to play the last game of his loan at Bolton on New Year's Day but has now been happy to accept an extension after impressing on Teesside.

The 37-year-old has played seven games since making his debut in the win over Bolton on November 30 and there was interest from Swansea City.

But the prospect of playing regular first team football has persuaded the Irishman, a former Newcastle and Sunderland shot-stopper, to stay at Middlesbrough until February 28.

Chief executive Neil Bausor said: "We are extremely delighted to secure the extension of Shay's loan until the end of February."