MIDDLESBROUGH winger Isaiah Jones has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract with the club.

The 22-year-old broke into the first team this season and has made 16 appearances in all competitions.

Jones was signed by the club from non-league side Tooting and Mitcham but gained first team experience north of the border with loan spells at Queen of the South and St Johnstone.

With Boro attempting to cope with a number of injuries to the squad in the early part of the season, Jones was thrust into the first team to make up the numbers despite former manager Neil Warnock admitting that they were expecting to send him out on loan again.

He made an instant impact on the opening game of the season providing the assist for Marc Bola’s equalising strike in a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Jones has become a popular figure among the Boro fanbase for this pace, skill and low centre of gravity.

New manager Chris Wilder said: “I’m delighted he’s committed to the future. It’s important we have a good balance of young players and experienced players.

“In the early days of working with him, he’s a listener and a learner so it’s up to us to make him a better player and for him to have that desire, ambition and work ethic to improve his game.”

Head of Recruitment Kieran Scott added: “I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone associated with the club when I say I am delighted Isaiah’s extended his deal with the club. It’s a great story and shows that there are gems in the non-league scene.

“Huge credit needs to go to the Academy and in particular Martin Carter who spotted and brought Isaiah to the club from Tooting. While he has made big strides, the ball is now back in Isaiah’s court to work hard to establish himself in Chris’s starting 11 and continue his development with us.”