Boateng injury lessserious than thought

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren’s fears that midfielder George Boateng could be sidelined for several weeks have been allayed.

The 30-year-old was injured in a collision with Holland team-mate Mark van Bommel during a training match ahead of the friendly with Italy in Amsterdam at the weekend.

Reports in the Dutch media suggested serious knee ligament damage, but inquiries have revealed Boateng has been able to return to training with no ill-effects, although Barcelona star van Bommel’s situation appears to be less favourable.

“George’s injury is by no means as bad as was first feared and he managed to train today,” a Boro spokesman said.

The news will boost McClaren, who has just seen his £5 million (€7.4m) signing return to the international fold after shining for the Teesside club since his move from Aston Villa during the summer of 2002.