Downing surgery successful

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has set his sights on the start of next season after an exploratory operation on his injured knee revealed no serious damage.

The 20-year-old had part of his cartilage removed this morning, and although he faces a summer of rest and rehabilitation, he is expected to be fit when the new campaign resumes in August.

“The operation was a complete success,” said a club spokesman. “Stewart has had a small part of his meniscus cartilage removed.

“We are hopeful he will be ready for the start of the season, but for now it is just a case of rest and gradual rehabilitation.”

That will come as a boost to both Downing and manager Steve McClaren, who despite initial assurances the injury was not serious, will have been keeping his fingers crossed after his player was sent home from England’s tour of the United States last week.

The home-grown youngster made a major impact in Boro’s surge into seventh-place in the Barclays Premiership last season and in their European campaign.

He is set to play an important role again despite his manager’s attempts to strengthen his squad this summer.

Boro are still hoping to agree a new deal with Dutch midfielder Bolo Zenden, who is out of contract, although he has turned down the offer currently on the table – as he did on several occasions last summer before committing himself to the club.

Champions League winners Liverpool are reported to be keen to take him the 28-year-old to Anfield.

Zenden’s decision will in part determine how McClaren spends what remains of his transfer kitty after agreeing a deal to bring Portsmouth striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu to the Riverside Stadium.

While McClaren remains optimistic on Zenden, he has contingency plans should that not work out.

Gaizka Mendieta, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, should be fit for the start of the new season, while Juventus’ Stephen Appiah is a possible target.

However, the loss of Zenden would leave a huge gap in central midfield ahead of the more defensively-minded George Boateng.

Meanwhile, the Evening Gazette has reported figures for the 12 months prior to July 31 last year, showing the Teessiders made a loss of almost £17million despite their Carling Cup triumph.

Much of the £16,962,000 can be accounted for by rising administration costs and the depreciation on paper in the value of the club’s playing staff, while the club’s turnover rose by less than £3million.

Wages and salaries accounted for 65% of turnover – the recommended level is 50% or below – at £22million.

However, the figures are not a cause for concern as the club is part of the Gibson O’Neill Company Limited group which continues to bankroll its activities.