MIDDLESBROUGH captain Jonny Howson is set for a seventh year on Teesside after signing a new contract with the club.

Howson has signed a one-year extension to his deal that was due to expire this summer.

The midfielder will turn 35 in May but is as important as he's ever been for Boro and has started all but one of the 22 Championship games since Michael Carrick's appointment.

"He's a big part of what we do here," said Carrick after Howson's new deal was confirmed.

"He's had a good season, he's in great shape, and he's such a great example to the rest of the lads here."

Howson was signed in the summer of 2017 after Boro's relegation from the Premier League and has played 269 times for the club during his six years on Teesside.

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Howson remains desperate to win promotion with Boro, which has been his ambition from day one at the Riverside.

Earlier this season the skipper, who has promotions on his CV with Leeds United and Norwich, said:  "I was successful at times at my previous clubs and I know what that can bring to people.

"I look back at those moments in my career and they were arguably my two biggest highlights, apart from a couple of individual ones, but as a team they are still the biggest highlights. I want more of that.

"Once you're retired you want to be able to tell your kids, family or whoever that you achieved this or did that. Each to their own, everyone will have their own ambitions, but I want to look back at what I have achieved.

"I've been here a fair few years now and I was brought into a football club and team that was expecting and wanting promotion. We've not done that but we're still trying. I won't stop until I do move on for whatever reason that may be."

Howson has followed in the footsteps of Tommy Smith - another key player under Carrick - in signing a new contact with Boro.