Teddy Sheringham has spoken of his delight at signing Michael Tonge on an 18-month deal.

The former Leeds United midfielder joined Boro in October on a three-month contract, and this week put pen to paper on a deal that will see him remain at the club until the end of next season.

Speaking about the capture of a player who has played most of his career in the top two divisions of English football, Sheringham said: “I think it’s a fantastic signing for the football club without a doubt.

“It’s not very often that the chairman likes to give out 18-month contracts, or so I’ve been told over the last few years.

“He’s a top professional and conducts himself very professionally in everything that he does.

“There are no airs and graces even though he’s played at a much higher level than what we’re playing at now. He’s one of the lads, and he talks, understands and listens.

“He’s got the enthusiasm of an 18-year-old. He’s still at the front of all the running, and he wants to keep fit and get better. That’ll do for me.

“I think it’s testament that Stevenage have been able to get him to be honest. I think he’s come in and he’s done a real job for us in midfield.”

It’s not just the impact that Tonge has had on the pitch that has impressed Boro’s manager, but also his influence on other players in the team.

“You only have to listen to a couple of youngsters sitting on the bench about what Tonge does during games,” Sheringham says.

“His awareness, his control, his feel of the ball. It calms things down.

“You have to be calm on the football pitch. Yes there are times to be lively and full throttle, but there’s times to be calm as well and he has the understanding to do the right thing at the right time on a football pitch.”