Nicky Shorey and Isaiah Osbourne have extended their loan spells in the Championship.
Left-back Shorey will continue his spell at Nottingham Forest until January 26, while Osbourne will be aiming to give Middlesbrough a New Year boost by staying until February 5.
Of the two, it seems that Shorey is the most likely to make his stay permanent come the summer with Forest pushing for Premiership football.
The former Reading man has played seven games for the City Ground side, helping them keep five consecutive clean sheets.
He has clearly impressed Billy Davies and, as well as demonstrating some defensive determination, Shorey has been getting forward to good effect.
His Villa teammate Osbourne has been steady in the middle of the park for Boro and he will take a big boost from the fact that boss Gordon Strachan wants him to stay.