RAY Parlour has urged Middlesbrough team-mate Stuart Parnaby to make the most of someone's else misfortune over the next four months.

Boro are still reeling from the news that Michael Reiziger is unlikely to play again this year following shoulder surgery in Switzerland last week.

The Dutch international first injured his shoulder in the pre-season friendly against Hansa Rostock, but the problem was aggravated when he fell awkwardly in last month's 5-3 defeat at Arsenal.

An operation has proved to be the only option and, after admitting that he was surprised at the extent of the problem, Reiziger's surgeon has warned the defender he is set for a lengthy spell on the Riverside sidelines.

Parnaby has started the last two games in Reiziger's absence, and is expected to fill the right-back berth again when Boro entertain Birmingham at the weekend.

The 22-year-old struggled to dislodge Danny Mills last season but, with Reiziger out of the equation, the rest of the year offers a golden chance to establish himself as a first-team regular.

"It's a big chance with Michael being out of action," said Parlour. "And Stuart has to take it.

"He probably would have been sitting on the bench had Michael been fit.

"But you need a bit of luck in football, and most footballers would admit that they've had that bit of luck along the way.

"One man's misfortune is someone else's chance, and it's probably Stuart's turn now.

"If he can put good performances in week in, week out, who knows what might happen? He might keep his spot and make it hard for Michael to come back in."

Reiziger, one of five internationals to move to the Riverside this summer, was McClaren's only defensive reinforcement.

Losing the experienced Dutchman for such a long spell is a major blow, with limited cover available if Parnaby was to suffer any problems.

Andrew Davies is approaching full fitness following his broken leg last season but, ironically, Reiziger fills one of the few spots in which Boro are somewhat vulnerable.

The 31-year-old has barely started his new life on Teesside following a summer switch from Barcelona, and admits last week's events have been a major blow.

"The damage I have sustained to the shoulder over a period of time is horrendous," said Reiziger.

"When the surgeons opened me up they could not believe their eyes, they were horrified.

"Everything that could have sustained damage was damaged and they have told me I can forget about playing for a while.

"I had to undergo five hours of surgery and I thought I would be out for six weeks at the most.

"But now I don't think I've got any chance of playing this side of Christmas. I am going to be out for months and I'm devastated by this - gutted."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.