DIDIER DIGARD is a tough tackling central midfield player who has enjoyed huge success at international junior level with France.

The 21-year-old ball-winner, who attracted interest from a number of top clubs before moving to Boro, joined Paris St Germain in the summer of 2007 after beginning his career with Le Havre.

He made 72 appearances for his first club and scored three goals before a €2.5m transfer to PSG, where he played under former Glasgow Rangers manager Paul Le Guen.

A thigh injury restricted his appearances as PSG endured a difficult campaign, but Gareth Southgate pushed to the front of the queue to sign the young talent for €5m on July 4 2008.

Didier played 15 times in the league in the 2007/08 season and has represented France at U15, U16, U17, U18, U20 and U21 level.

He captained the French U21s during the 2008-09 season, but found his domestic season a frustrating one.

Didier made his Boro debut on the opening day of the 2008-9 season at home to Tottenham Hotspur, going on to make 27 appearances in his first season in England.

However, he struggled with a succession of injuries and struggled to establish himself in the squad under incoming manager Gordon Strachan.

He was loaned to French side Nice for the latter part of the 2009-10 season.