Boro midfield strengthened further

The 24-year-old has signed a three–year deal after passing a medical at Boro's Rockcliffe Park training complex, on the banks of the Tees.

The former England Under-21 international had signed a new five-year contract at Pompey 12 months ago, but was allowed to head north for talks on Friday after the two clubs agreed a fee.

O'Neil broke into the first team on the South Coast as a teenager during he 2001-02 campaign and has gone on to make almost 200 appearances.

"I didn't think he would be available but he has now become available for various reasons at Portsmouth and he's somebody I've been an admirer of for some time," revealed Southgate.