Middlesbrough have confirmed England winger Stewart Downing will be having surgery on Friday to insert a pin into his injured foot. Downing was injured in Boro's last home game of the season against Aston Villa and now faces the prospect of at least being out until the start of next season, and perhaps longer.

"I think Stewart is going to be out for two or three months at least. That's not good news for him or the club," confirmed assistant manager Malcolm Crosby.

"Stewart is facing an operation and will be very frustrated.

"I've looked at the challenge again by Petrov and, while it was a clumsy challenge, I think it was an accident.

"I don't think that for one minute he meant to do it. Injuries are part of the game and you get used to them happening when you least want them.

"Stewart has played every game for us this season and has made a big contribution.

"He hasn't scored goals but he has worked extremely hard."