MIDDLESBROUGH have successfully extended Bruno Zuculini’s loan deal until the start of January, with the Manchester City midfielder due to return to the starting line-up in Saturday’s Championship game at Huddersfield Town.

Zuculini will remain at the Riverside until January 2 after City officials yesterday agreed to Boro’s request to retain him on Teesside for another six weeks.

The 22-year-old Argentinian had originally been due to return to his parent club before the weekend, but yesterday’s agreement will enable him to start alongside Adam Clayton at the base of midfield as Boro look to keep up the pressure on the two sides currently above them in the table.

With Grant Leadbitter suspended and Adam Forshaw still unavailable because of injury, it had been feared that Boro would be short of midfield options at the John Smith’s Stadium, but Zuculini’s new deal means Aitor Karanka can breathe much more easily as he prepares for this weekend’s game.