Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate has postponed his retirement plans and has agreed a new deal with the club.

The 35-year-old had been expected to end his playing career after last season's playoff final defeat to Norwich City.

However, the former England international has decided to stay at Boro for another season, following a serious injury to recent signing Alex Baptiste.

"Woody will be important in the changing room," Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka told the club's official website. "I really appreciated his reaction after hearing of Alex Baptiste's injury last week, and he is ready to come back.

"He knows his role will be a bit different. He wants to come here to help us get promotion. I said last season and I'll say it again, he can be very important because he is a good person and a good lad.

"He was thinking about retiring 10 months ago and now he wants to help us. We are close to being a family here, and we're pleased to say 'welcome back Woody.'"

Woodgate made nine appearances for Boro last season.