CITY boss Glenn Roeder has confirmed Matthew Bates has returned to Middlesbrough after suffering serious damage to his knee in the match with Hull City.

Bates was forced out of Tuesday's 1-1 draw with the Tigers after 58 minutes, with the 21-year-old collapsing in front of the Jarrold Stand after appearing to twist his knee during an innocuous challenge.

City boss Glenn Roeder said: "Matty sustained a knee injury in the game on Tuesday night. When we had it scanned early on Wednesday morning we were hoping it would only be minor damage.

"Unfortunately, our worst fears were confirmed that he had sustained more than minor damage and that he would need an operation.

"It's the third time he's needed to have an operation in the last 18 months. As you can imagine, he was really enjoying his time here and was showing what a good signing he was.

"He has been assured that the operation will be a success and he will make another comeback. He gets on tremendously well with the lads and we wish him not only a speedy recovery, but a full recovery as well."

As Roeder said, Bates' latest injury makes it three times in the past year-and-a-half when he has needed surgery to repair damage to his knee. His injury problems began while on loan to Ipswich last season, when he suffered damage to his cruciate knee ligament in only his second game with City's Suffolk rivals.

A second operation was required during his rehabilitation, and it had been hoped Bates' spell at Carrow Road would be the final stage of his continued comeback.

He arrived at the Canaries on a loan deal the day before January's transfer window closed, and was due to remain at the Club until April 28.

But after appearances against Preston, Cardiff and Hull, Bates has been forced to return to the north east to begin yet another fight for fitness.