Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has told utility man Matthew Bates he may have to take a leaf out of Paul McGrath's book to nurse himself through the rest of his career. The 23-year-old impressed his manager during this week's trip to Ireland as he continued his comeback from a fourth cruciate ligament injury. Strachan told the club's official website: "It was worth the journey alone to see Matthew back. He was immense. We can see what everyone's been talking about. "He's done well and we just keep our fingers crossed. We just have to keep looking after him. "He won't train like most players for the rest of his career. He will pick and choose the days he trains - but I have known players who have made a good living out of the game and can be proud of themselves with injuries. "I played with Paul McGrath, and he trained every Friday and that was it."
Source: PA
Source: PA