Hines has made four appearances so far this season

Middlesbrough have handed a two-and-a-half-year deal to defender Seb Hines.

Hines, 22, has made only 12 appearances for the club since signing professional terms in 2006, following a string of serious long-term injuries.

"Seb has suffered some bad injuries, and this is his chance to show us what he is about," boss Tony Mowbray said.

"There is a vacancy in central defence through the sale of David Wheater and we also have Stephen McManus on the injury list at the moment."

The Wetherby-born utility man, who can operate in defence or midfield, spent time on loan at Oldham Athletic in February 2009 and was sent out to Derby but failed to make an appearance.

In addition, former England under-18 international midfielder Richard Smallwood, 20, has extended his current deal at the Riverside until the summer of 2012.

"We like Richie's work ethic and the uncomplicated way he plays football," Mowbray added.

"He has had a taste of first team football before my arrival, so now he needs to keep working hard and grab his chance with both hands when it comes along."

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