THE RETURN of Didier Digard to the Boro engine room will be a massive boost for the whole team, says fellow midfielder Gary O'Neil.

The France U21 skipper has only made two substitute appearances, one brief, since injuring his thigh against Sheffield United on the opening day of the season.

But O'Neil is looking forward to welcoming Digard back into the side, believing he can be a huge asset in the campaign ahead.

"He's one of our best players so we want him on the pitch," he said.

"It's important he gets right though, because he's tried to come back a few times and ended up breaking down.

"I know the club have been working really hard with him and he's been putting some hard really work in as well to try to make sure he's ready when he comes back.

"It was probably a bit early for him against West Brom but he was forced onto the bench because of my injury.

"It's good to see him back but let him get right before we expect too much from him."

Former Paris St Germain star Digard has endured a stop-start Boro career so far since joining the club in summer 2008, with a succession of injuries disrupting his progress.

But he has impressed when he has played and O'Neil believes his skill and vision will make him a standout player in the Coca-Cola Championship.

"He'll be a massive player for us in this division," said O'Neil, who was earlier this week described by manager Gareth Southgate as probably the league's outstanding midfielder.

"We saw in spells last season how good he can be.

"I expect him to be a top central midfielder and in this division he should have no problems at all."

Meanwhile, O'Neil says working at a club where the manager is backed through thick and thin times can only be of benefit in the long run.

"The chairman's been fantastic with all his managers and has never been one to chop and change things," he said.

"I personally believe that's the right way to go. It means we've got time, we know we can build and things aren't going to change week-to-week."