Former Pompey player celebrates league medal double

Ritchie de Laet in action for Pompey in the 2010-11 season Picture: Steve Reid

Former Pompey player Ritchie De Laet had double reason to celebrate yesterday as honours were being handed out.

The attack-minded full-back, who made an instant impact during 22 loan appearances for the Blues in the 2010-11 Championship season, collected two winners’ medals for his efforts this term.

The Belgian earned a Premier League medal after playing 12 times for newly-crowned champions Leicester this season.

He also picked up a medal for helping Middlesbrough claim second place in the Championship.

The 27-year-old moved to the Riverside Stadium in January on loan and played 10 times for Aitor Karanka’s side.

‘It’s crazy, a great day for me,’ he told the BBC after Middlesbrough earned promotion to the Premier League following yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton.

‘It’s crazy, I’m still a Leicester player so I’ll be on my way to catch the end of the Leicester game to get awarded my medal over there.’