MIDDLESBROUGH head coach Aitor Karanka admitted his decision to reward Dimi Konstantopoulos with a contract extension was an "easy" one.

The 36-year-old Greek goalkeeper, who was named Ramsdens Player of the Month for January, has been rewarded for his form that has kept Boro challenging for promotion this season.

Konstantopoulos penned a new one-year deal last summer, but the former Hartlepool United stopper has been in outstanding form this season, keeping 14 clean sheets in the Championship, and the one-year contract extension is seen as just reward for man who has been described by Aitor Karanka as a rock.

"It was easy for everybody because I have said that Dimi is the kind of player I would like to have in my career because he is the kind of player who when I arrived here he was the third choice keeper and now he is the first," Karanka said.

“His behaviour is the same, he is always supporting the team, it doesn't matter if he is in the team or if he is injured or if he is fit and apart from that he is doing a very good job.

“He is 36 and he knows me and I know him so if he is the same way next season we can speak about the future but the most important thing is he is here for one more season."

Karanka, meanwhile, revealed Jelle Vossen is out of Saturday's game at Sheffield Wednesday.