MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren yesterday revealed that Ugo Ehiogu is making a remarkable recovery from a cruciate injury and is ready for a game four months after surgery.

The 31-year-old centre-back is now expected to be available before the Christmas programme and McClaren is attempting to arrange a behind-closed-doors game to help speed him to match fitness.

England Under-21 right-back Stuart Parnaby, another cruciate victim who has been out for almost three months, is also on course to be fit ahead of the festive period.

Ehiogu damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the final home game of last season against Tottenham, but the injury wasn't discovered until the England international reported for pre-season training.

Ehiogu immediately flew to the United States and the Birmingham, Alabama, clinic of leading specialist Dr James Andrews, who performed a successful operation on the knee of teammate Juninho in August last year.

The Brazilian midfielder missed the first six months of last season after tearing his anterior cruciate and undergoing reconstructive surgery.

But, after an exploratory operation, Ehiogu was assured by Dr Andrews that rest and a strict rehabilitation programme would suffice.

McClaren said: "Ugo is probably two or three weeks away from playing. We have no reserve games coming up and he needs match practice, so we're trying to arrange a behind-closed doors game or two - he's ready for that now. Like Ugo, Stuart is about three weeks away.

"It's given us a lift having Ugo and Stuart back in training.''

Veteran Colin Cooper, who has deputised for Ehiogu and produced sterling performances, fears he will lose his place when the former Aston Villa man returns to full fitness.

But McClaren said: "Colin has been fantastic in filling in, and used his experience when we've needed it.

"He's formed a good partnership with Gareth Southgate.

"Colin knows, with Ugo coming back, that you can't beat competition for places. We have some good players in the centre-half position - people like Chris Riggott, who have put pressure on Colin. We have an abundance of talent in that area.

"As I've said before, I told Colin he was my best signing of the summer when he agreed a new contract, and he's been a bit premature in his comments. If he keeps playing like he is, he'll be in the team.''

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