Walker handed new Boro deal as he prepares to cover for stricken Digard

Middlesbrough youngster Josh Walker has been rewarded for his elevation to Gareth Southgate's first-team squad and signed a new contract until 2011.Staying power: Josh Walker (right) has signed a new deal at Middlesbrough The Newcastle-born midfielder, who turned 20 last week, has made a handful of appearances for Boro this season and was a substitute in last night's FA Cup win over West Ham.Walker, who has had loan spells with Bournemouth and Aberdeen, was one of the academy youngsters blooded by Steve McClaren three years ago and he has had to wait patiently for a run in the first team.The England youth player, who can operate as a centre-back as well as his preferred position in central midfield, made his full Barclays Premier League debut against Sunderland last month and will have a crucial role to play for Boro following Didier Digard's injury, which has almost certainly ended the Frenchman's season. Middlesbrough 2 West Ham 0: Downing delight as Boro march on to the last eightAgony for Didier Digard as Middlesbrough midfielder is ruled out for 12 weeksTHAT WAS THE SPORTING WEEK: Disappearing Jose likes to wine, Spurs perfect the 'throw in a goal' move and Euro Cup kings Forest go from being as fit as fiddles to as fat as cellosMIDDLESBROUGH FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET  

Source: Daily_Mail