TONY PULIS has handed a five-year deal to young defender Dael Fry, while another locally produced centre-back has hailed the impact of Middlesbrough's experienced manager.

Fry has signed a long-term contract with his hometown club, having figured regularly in the matchday squads under Pulis.

The 20-year-old has effectively become back-up to Daniel Ayala and Ben Gibson this season, with Ryan Shotton operating at full-back, and is perceived to have a big future on Teesside.

Middlesbrough will guarantee their place in the play-offs by beating Millwall on Saturday.

Even though there have been peaks and troughs during Pulis’ first four months in charge, Gibson is convinced the former Stoke and West Brom manager is putting things in place for success over the longer term.

Gibson said: "You know what he brings - organisation and structure. He's pulled everyone together and galvanised the club if you like.

“He has everyone heading in the one direction and working hard for him, the club and for themselves. He's been great. You can speak with him but you certainly know who is boss and the work he demands. His methods are clear and the lads enjoy working for him.”

After spending heavily in the squad last summer following relegation to the Championship, this summer will when Pulis will look to really implement his own ideas on and off the pitch.

Now Fry is certain to be part of the thinking. The England Under-21s international, part of the squad that won the Under-20s World Cup last summer, has impressed Pulis with his temperament and ability.

Pulis said: "Dael is an up-and-coming player who we're enjoying working with. He's had a taste of the first team and he's been in and around the squad. He knows he has a lot of hard work ahead, but this is a good opportunity for him.

"He's a Middlesbrough lad as well, having come through our academy, and he's a great example to other young players coming through here."

Fry has made 17 appearances for the club he first joined aged seven.

Boro's first year back in the second tier has not gone to plan, given the ambition was a top two spot, but there is still every chance that it can end in celebration after returning to form by winning their last two matches against promotion contenders.

Gibson said: "It's been a tough season. We have not hit the heights we wanted but we feel we have turned the corner, hopefully at just the right time. We have some big games, it's now crunch time but this is what you play for.

"Some people fear these sort of games (Bristol City, Derby, Millwall), I see them as an opportunity myself.

“You win and it's not just three points in the bag, you also take points off your rivals. It's an exciting end to the season. A few of us are playing each other so no doubt it will go down to the wire.”

Gibson's own performances have improved in recent months after a difficult period in the Premier League and at the start of the campaign. He does think, though, that spending last season at the highest level has helped him enormously.

Gibson said: "I believe I improved both as a player and as a person. We had a lot to deal with last year. It was a fantastic experience for me and the lads.

“We did not deal with it the way we would have wanted to so are desperate for another bite at the cherry. We have go back there and prove one, we belong there and two, we can stay there."

Boro expect Patrick Bamford to be available again for the visit of Millwall. He was left out as a precautionary measure at Derby after suffering a head injury in the previous win over Bristol City.