Middlesbrough fullback Matthew Bates is fully recovered from his knee injury suffered last season and is raring to go for the new campaign.

Bates told Boro's website: "It's been a long time since I played in a competitive match but I'm fighting fit and raring to go.

"The rehabilitation process has been tough but really successful. I could have maybe come into contention towards the end of last season but there was no point rushing back.

"The medical staff have been fantastic with me and I can't thank them enough, especially Nick Allamby and Grant Downie.

"I feel stronger than ever and am looking forward for the pre-season matches to get underway."