Middlesbrough defender Stephen McManus has told BBC Tees he is delighted to be back in the starting line-up following the 2-1 win over Sheffield United.The 28-year-old has been absent from the first 11 since 6 November when he injured his ankle in the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the Riverside.
He said: "I've been desperate to get back as soon as possible.
"It was great to play again because after the tackle against Palace I thought that was my season finished."
He spent five months on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage before returning to first-team action as a substitute against Watford on 19 March.
The Scotland international then notched his first league goal of the season after coming on as a sub in the 3-3 draw with Leicester on 2 April.
McManus added: "It's unusual for someone to put you on as a sub if you're a centre-half which the manager's done twice.
"He has been absolutely first class with me."
The Scotland international has made 18 appearances for Middlesbrough this season scoring one goal.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport