MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren was last night relieved to learn that full-back Stuart Parnaby will only be out for three months after suffering cruciate ligament damage in last Saturday's home defeat by Leeds.

Initial fears that the England Under-21 international would need surgery and miss the rest of the season were allayed after a visit to a specialist yesterday.

Boro had been warned that Parnaby, 21, might have ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the same injury that forced Juninho to undergo reconstructive surgery in the United States and sit out seven months of last season.

However, a visit to Bradford-based Steve Bolan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in sports injuries, confirmed only a partial tear to Parnaby's anterior cruciate.

Boro's head physio, Grant Downie, said: "It has to be seen as good news as it was feared that Stuart had torn the ligament completely, as did Juninho.

"Fortunately, it's not as bad as that and will recover without the need for an operation. However, he will undergo an extensive rehabilitation programme to ensure he makes a complete recovery."

Parnaby's knee is now in a brace for six weeks to allow him to walk while protecting the injury. He should be ready to resume gentle running after eight to ten weeks and return to full training in around 12 weeks.

Meanwhile, Boro goalkeeper Carlo Nash will return to full training on Monday after sustaining a badly bruised finger in a training session this week.

There was further good news for McClaren yesterday when it was confirmed that injury victims Chris Riggott (back), Colin Cooper (groin) and Carlos Marinelli (hamstring) would all resume training at the start of next week.

McClaren has had to contend with major injury worries this season, notably surrounding striker Massimo Maccarone (ankle) and centre-back Ugo Ehiogu (knee), as well as Parnaby.

The Boro boss yesterday compared the loss of Ehiogu to Manchester United losing Roy Keane or Arsenal the services of Patrick Vieira.

Boro's home game with Manchester United on Sunday, December 28, will now kick off at 4.05 for live screening on Sky Sports.

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