The Bryan Robson factor yesterday attracted another big name to Teesside as Andy Townsend joined Middlesbrough in a £500,000 high speed deal from Aston Villa.

Republic of Ireland skipper Townsend had talks with Robson in Birmingham last night, travelled north with him this morning, signed his new contract and trained with his new colleagues - all within the space of two hours.

He said later: "I might be 34 but this is a great new challenge for me. The north-east is an exciting place to be playing football just now and Boro will get my 100 per cent commitment.

"I have a lot of respect for Bryan and this was a major factor in me coming here. I am also aware of the great talent they already have in the club and the marvellous support and I believe they can go straight back into the Premiership."

He said he wasn't upset that Villa should sell him even though he has only missed one game in the Premiership this season.

"Business is business and an offer of £500,000 for someone of my age has got to be attractive," he added.

Robson said Townsend would be on the subs' bench tomorrow at Tranmere. "It's just a bit too quick to put him straight into the team," he said. "He will watch how we play but he'll be involved."

Robson moved for Townsend when he failed to lure David Platt from Arsenal and added: "He reads the game well has nice composure and talks on the field. He also scores vital goals."

Townsend has accepted a two-year contract with the first division club.

Robson added: "He has the passion and determination to play on for years. He will be a great asset to this club. He has vast experience and will give us the composure on the ball in midfield that I feel we need.

"He will be ideal for us as we try to get out of this division. Andy has great enthusiasm for the game, he loves to play. So do I, that's why I've kept going and it's the same for him."