Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott is on the verge of a return to the first team after a long layoff with an ankle injury.

The 29-year old centre-half has been out of Boro's first team since February but managed a full 90 minutes for the reserves team during the week.

Riggott has extensive Premier League experience so what would a major plus back in Gordon Strachan's squad which he hopes to be within the near future.

"It's great to get through a full game again," Riggott told the Evening Gazette.

"I had a bit of cramp at the end and I don't think I could have played extra-time, but the important thing is that the ankle feels right again.

"It's not perfect, but it will get better and now I'm looking forward to another two or three reserve games to get fit.

"I feel this is the start of a new chapter for me. It's a positive one and that's why it's such a good feeling."