Teenager Smallwood nets Boro deal

Middlesbrough have handed academy prospect Richie Smallwood a three-year professional deal at the Riverside.

The Redcar-born midfielder, 17, has established himself in the Boro reserve side and earned England under-18 honours in the process.

"It is a wonderful achievement for Richie. He is a smashing lad who has worked hard to get to where he is now," said academy boss Dave Parnaby.

"He is a clever player and has the potential to go far in the game."