BORO have confirmed that young defender Matthew Bates faces another lengthy lay-off after damaging the cruciate ligament in his left knee during Tuesday's friendly at Darlington.

The 20-year-old England youth international was playing his first game for the club since tearing his cruciate ligament and partially tearing his medial ligament in the other knee last November while on loan at Ipswich Town.

Stockton-born centre-half Bates appeared to twist awkwardly on landing before limping off pointing to the back of his left knee midway through the first half of the 2-0 win at the Darlington Arena.

"We all feel for Matty, who was looking forward to playing football again after a long period on the sidelines," said manager Gareth Southgate this morning.

"He had applied himself so well to get back in contention and this latest injury is obviously difficult for him to accept.

"He will get the best possible medical support from us as far as treatment and rehabilitation are concerned and we're all right behind him at this difficult time."

Head of medical Grant Downie added: "It's a devastating blow for a player who was recovering from an injury to his other knee.

"Matty applied himself terrifically well to recover from his initial injury and all our thoughts are with him."

Bates, pictured above alongside Lee Cattermole earlier in pre-season training, has appeared 32 times for Boro, including five starts during the run to the 2006 UEFA Cup final.

Watch your favourite moments from last season for only £1.99!