TONY McMahon last night expressed his delight after signing a new three-year contract with Middlesbrough.

McMahon, whose previous contract was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, penned a new threeyear deal with the Teessiders yesterday.

The full-back, who has made 38 senior appearances since graduating from Boro’s Academy in August 2004, has been rewarded for a string of impressive displays in the second half of the season.

And while a number of other players are waiting until the end of the campaign before deciding on their future, Evenwood-born McMahon has been only too willing to pin his colours to the mast.

“I’m delighted to have signed,” said the 23-year-old, who has started five of Boro’s last six matches ahead of fellow full-back Justin Hoyte. “I could have waited until the end of the season, but when the offer was made, I pretty much said yes straight away “I just wanted to get it done and now I can concentrate on the future.

“I know I’m going to be here for another three years, and I’m determined to make the most of them.

“There are a lot of things I still want to achieve in my career, and I’m confident I can achieve them here.”

The news marks a positive end to a difficult period in which McMahon has been forced to overcome two separate career-threatening injuries that restricted him to five senior appearances in the space of two seasons.

The defender suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury and a broken leg in quick succession, but battled his way back to full fitness at the start of this season.

He confirmed his well-being with a successful loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, and has forced his way to the forefront of manager Gareth Southgate’s plans since returning to Teesside in December.

His time at Hillsborough helped him reassess his career, and increased his determination to make a name for himself at the Riverside.

“That time at Sheffield Wednesday was important for me,” he said. “When I left Middlesbrough, I always said I wanted to come back, and being away from the club only made me even more determined to come back and force my way into the first team.

“This is the only team I’ve ever played for, and it’s the only team I want to play for in the future.

“Middlesbrough were good to me when I suffered all my injuries, and I want to repay some of that faith. But I also know this is a good club for me. I wouldn’t have signed my deal if I didn’t think Middlesbrough would improve me as a player.”

Having committed himself to the Riverside for another three years, McMahon is understandably desperate to help secure Boro’s Premier League status.

The right-back made his first-team debut against Manchester United in October 2004, and while the current Premier League leaders will provide stiff opposition on Saturday, Boro’s previous performances against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side provide reason for optimism.

“We’ve done well against them in the past, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t do so again,” said McMahon.

“We got a draw at Old Trafford that day I made my debut, and we obviously beat them not that long ago as well.

“It’s a difficult game to have at this stage of the season, but we’ll be going into it in a confident mood.

“We all still think we’ll get out of this. No one wants to be relegated, but having signed my new deal, I suppose I have that little bit more incentive to make sure we’re playing Premier League football next season. I’ll certainly be doing all I can in the next four games to make it happen.”

■ Boro fans they have until 7pm this Saturday to take advantage of Early Bird prices on 2009-10 season cards.

Adults, over-65s and 18-21-year-olds can take advantage of prices that offer a reduction on 2007-08 of at least five per cent. Early Bird prices start at just £95 for under-18s, £370 for adults, £230 for over- 65s and just £185 in the North West and South-West corners for those aged 18-21.

Application forms are available from www.mfcseasoncard.co.uk, or by calling the 0844 499 1234 or by emailing your detaisl to ticket.office@mfc.co.uk.

■ Tickets for Boro’s match at Newcastle on Monday, May 11 go on general sale from 9.30am this morning. Tickets are priced £29 (adults), £23 (over-65s) and £16 (under- 16s), and can be purchased in person or by calling 0844 499 1234.