HE has come to Middlesbrough’s rescue on several occasions this season, but Aitor Karanka insists Dimi Konstantopoulos brings more to the squad than just match-winning saves.

The Greek stopper has played a leading role in Boro’s promotion push and his recent form was rewarded with a new one-year contract extension yesterday.

The 36-year-old was named Ramsdens Player of the Month for January and his new deal completes an impressive turnaround with the keeper having started the season behind Tomas Mejias in the pecking order.

Undeterred, the former Hartlepool United man waited for his chance and Karanka has hailed the experienced goalkeeper’s impact on the pitch, but also off it.

“He is good example for everybody,” said the head coach, who confirmed Jelle Vossen is out of tomorrow’s game at Sheffield Wednesday. “When I had to take my decision at the beginning of the season and I decided this season that Tomas would be my keeper and Dimi would be the second keeper, his behaviour was the same.

“His support was the same and after two months he started to play again and he was the same way. That is why he's a very good example for everybody.”

The Teessiders have conceded the fewest goals in the Championship this term and have kept 18 clean sheets in all competitions. The latest came in Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers when three of Boro’s four defenders were 22-years-old or under, and Karanka believes the experienced head of Konstantopoulos has helped his young players through games.

He said: “It is important because he transmits a lot of calmness to the players in front of him.

“Sometimes, when we play another team who don't score a goal because they didn't have chances, it is because the defenders are very confident with him and he is a very good player for everybody.

“The last game against Bolton was a very good example because we played with Ryan, who is 22, Gibbo (Ben Gibson) 21, Tomas (Kalas) 21, George (Friend) 27, but three or four are very young and he is mature.

“He transmitted his confidence, he knows when he can take the ball quick or take the ball slow, he can manage the game very well so he is very important for us now.”

Konstantopoulos and Mejias will compete for the number one jersey next season and that is likely to see Connor Ripley head out on loan.

Ripley is highly thought of on Teesside, but at 22 the Boro head coach admits he needs games.

“I can't say anything now because next season I need to think about what is going to happen in pre-season, but I don't want to keep Connor here as a third keeper,” Karanka explained.

“I think he is a very good keeper, he has a lot of potential but he needs to play. So this season we thought that for him the way to get him better was to train with us in the first team squad but I think his next step is to play games.“I trust 100 per cent in him because he has improved a lot with us, his behaviour is very good, he is good character for the training room so we will have to think about the future.”

Middlesbrough lost at home to Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the season. The Owls raced into a three-goal lead that day and Karanka is aware of the threat Stuart Gray’s side pose.

“It will be very difficult because they don’t concede a lot of goals. They don’t score many either, but they are an organised team with a good manager. They beat us here and were winning 3-0.

“That was a difficult game for us and I’m expecting another tough game on Saturday.

“I don’t remember now, but I know our last game against Bolton wasn’t great, but the difference is we won the game and against Sheffield we lost.”

The Boro head coach confirmed Daniel Ayala is still one week away from returning, but there is good news on Damia Abella, who Karanka expects to play again before the end of the season.

“I think he is maybe one month away and that would be good for everybody and him especially,” Karanka said.