Ligament damage for Boro star

O'Neil to be back for pre-season

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 17th April 2008

Ligament damage for Boro star

O'Neil in pain

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Middlesbrough have confirmed that Gary O'Neil suffered knee ligament damage.

The midfielder was forced off during last weekend's draw at Tottenham and scans have confirmed damage to the lateral ligament.

O'Neil has already had surgery on the problem, which has ended his campaign, but he should be ready to play by the time pre-season comes around.

"The surgeon is happy that everything went well," said Boro's head of medicine Grant Downie.

"It was a routine operation and he is expected to be available for pre-season training in the summer."

O'Neil has made a big impact on Teesside during his first season with Middlesbrough following his £5million move from Portsmouth last year.