Boro hopeful over Riggott

Riverside defender battling his way back to fitness

Last updated: 14th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Boro hopeful over Riggott

Riggott: Looking to return

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Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott is finally making progress in his injury battle.

The former Derby defender has not played for Boro since February after being beset by a series of problems, with a long-term ankle injury the main issue.

Now, after further surgery last month, Boro are hoping there is now some light at the end of the tunnel for Riggott and have pencilled in a Christmas return.

"Chris Riggott has started running in the water and it will be another couple of weeks before he is running again," said Boro boss Gareth Southgate.

"We always felt with Chris that it could be Christmas before he returns, but he is very happy with the latest prognosis.

"The problem he was having with his ankle has gone so that has given him the confidence to go forward. He is a pretty fit lad and his general fitness levels are pretty good.

"We just have to get him to that next stage and then we will take it from there."

Boro are currently short of central defensive options, with captain Emanuel Pogatetz still a couple of weeks away from fitness.