MIDDLESBROUGH defender Abel Xavier has been banned for 18 months following a positive drugs test.

The 32-year-old failed a test following Boro's UEFA Cup match against Xanthi on 29 September after samples revealed the presence of methandienone, also known as dianabol. He is the first Premiership player to be found to have taken performance-enhancing - as opposed to recreational - drugs.

Xavier was given the suspension following a personal hearing at UEFA headquarters in Nyon. UEFA said in a statement: "The player was found guilty of being in breach of the UEFA anti-doping regulations. As a result, the UEFA control and disciplinary body decided to impose an 18-month ban on Abel Xavier. This decision may be appealed against within three days of receipt of the written reasoning."

Middlesbrough signed the Portuguese international on a free transfer in August following his release by Italian side Roma.

He has been capped 20 times by Portugal and has played for both Liverpool and Everton as well as Benfica, Galatasaray and PSV Eindhoven.

Xavier is thought to have claimed he took the drug unknowingly after buying a diet supplement from the USA that had been contaminated.