McManus recalled by Boro

Middlesbrough have brought Stephen McManus back from his loan spell with Bristol City to solve a defensive injury crisis.

Defender back following injuries to duo; McInnes disappointed

Middlesbrough have brought Stephen McManus back from his loan spell with Bristol City to solve a defensive injury crisis. Boro manager Tony Mowbray suffered injuries to first-choice centre-backs Matthew Bates and Seb Hines in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Mowbray has now taken the opportunity to exercise McManus' 24-hour recall clause and Robins boss Derek McInnes admits it is a blow to lose the 29-year-old. The Scot said: "We're obviously disappointed to lose Stephen, but we know this can happen as part of the loan system. We thank him for his time here, I know he enjoyed his brief spell. "It's a shame because I feel he had so much more to offer, but we understand the need from Middlesbrough to recall him given their current injury crisis. "It's one of the reasons we strengthened our defensive line before the deadline last Thursday. Now we have to go with what we've got for the rest of the campaign."