Defender committed to the cause

Middlesbrough defender Stephen McManus would like nothing better than helping the club achieve promotion even though he looks very unlikely to be at the Riverside next season.

Due to the current injury crisis McManus was recalled to the side for the first time since October for the midweek draw at Burnley and following another recent loan spell at Bristol City.

The 30-year-old Scot is out of contract at Boro in the summer and as one of their highest-earners appears set for a departure at the end of the campaign. Even so the former Celtic centre-back remains committed to the cause.

“I would love to help this club get promoted, that’s what I wanted when I arrived and that’s what I want now,” McManus told the Northern Echo. “I would love that for the fans, the club, the full town. The town wants a club in the Premier League – if I can – then great.”