Bates goes back to Boro'

City loan defender Matthew Bates has returned to Middlesbrough because of a serious knee injury and is set to miss the rest of the season.

Bates will need an operation after injuring his knee in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at home to Hull - his third major setback in the space of 15 months.

The 21-year-old, who has made three appearances for the Canaries, first injured his right knee while on loan to Ipswich, playing against Barnsley, in November 2006.

His original comeback had to be aborted when he suffered cruciate ligament damage to his left knee in a pre-season friendly at Darlington.

Manager Glenn Roeder confirmed today that Bates had returned to Boro' after a scan early on Wednesday confirmed “more than minor damage”.

He said: “The young lad has been incredibly unlucky. The staff and the players all feel for him and we are keeping our fingers crossed that he makes a full recovery.

“I have spoken to Gareth Southgate and Middlesbrough will be making a statement later.”

Bates limped off after 58 minutes against Hull after jarring his knee. Jon Otsemobor came off the bench to replace him and looks set for a recall at Leicester on Saturday.