ANDREW TAYLOR last night claimed Middlesbrough had completed one of the signings of the summer – by persuading Matthew Bates to sign a new three-year deal at the Riverside.

Having spurned the advances of a number of Premier League clubs, Bates will put pen to paper on his new contract when he returns from holiday next week.

The versatile 22-year-old, who can play at right-back, centre-half or centre midfield, is likely to be a pivotal performer as Boro attempt to reclaim their top-flight status at the first time of asking next season.

And Taylor, who is currently on international duty with the England Under-21s, feels Bates’ capture is a significant statement of intent ahead of the start of pre-season training.

“I am really pleased for the club because it would have been easy for Matty to walk away when we got relegated and look for another club but he hasn’t and has committed his future to Boro,” said Taylor, who first played with Bates in Middlesbrough’s Academy.

“It is a great signing for us because he showed how good he could be in different positions last season. He will be a vital part of getting us back up straight away.”

Provided there are no unforeseen hiccups in the next month, Bates will take part in a full pre-season programme for the first time in three years.

The Stockton-born player underwent three knee operations in the space of 18 months after damaging both his cruciate and medial ligaments, but battled his way back to full fitness in the first half of last season.

Taylor has suffered injury concerns of his own in the last year, with a recurring foot problem having restricted his involvement in the first team, but with his own injuries paling into insignificance alongside those of Bates, the leftback is full of admiration for the strength of his teammate’s spirit.

“Matty is a great example to everyone at the club,” said Taylor. “He has been absolutely brilliant since his last injury. He does loads of extra work on his knee and he is doing everything he can to make it as strong as it possibly can be.

“His mentality towards life, having spent so long out of football, has probably changed, and he has become a much better person for it. He never, ever stops working at his game and everyone at the club will be absolutely delighted he has decided to stay.”

While the majority of Boro’s squad are taking a break, Taylor is still plying his trade at the European Under- 21 Championships.

He made his first appearance of the competition as England drew their final group game with Germany on Monday night, and while the tournament has extended a long campaign into a tenth month, the Hartlepool-born full-back feels Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has struck a perfect balance between competitiveness and enjoyment.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute,”

said Taylor. “We have got the balance of down-time and being focused just right. We are training really hard, but it is relaxed at other times.

“We have been together a long time, so the credit for getting the balance right between work and rest is down to the gaffer.”