UGO EHIOGU has revealed how the plight of a teenage leukaemia sufferer has put into perspective his fight against a knee injury.

The Middlesbrough defender yesterday confirmed that he won't kick a ball for four months after damaging the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

But Ehiogu admitted he is counting his blessings after being told he does not need major surgery - and learning of the 18-year-old boy's devastating news. Ehiogu, who would not disclose the youngster's identity because of the parents' wishes, said: "The day I found out my knee might need repairing, he found out he had leukaemia.

"It kind of put things into perspective. On a scale of things, my problem isn't major.''

England international Ehiogu travelled to Birmingham, Alabama, to see leading specialist Dr James Andrews, who performed a successful operation on the knee of teammate Juninho nearly a year ago.

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

But Ehiogu was assured after an exploratory operation at Dr Andrews' clinic that rest and rehabilitation would suffice.

The 30-year-old centre-back suffered the injury against Tottenham in the final home game of last season, but amazingly wasn't aware of any problem until he returned to training after taking a holiday. He said: "The injury could have been a lot worse, so I'm grateful for small mercies.

"I need two months to stabilise the knee and build up the muscle around it, then hopefully six to eight weeks to slowly get back to match fitness, so it'll be four months roughly before I kick a ball.

"I thought I might have needed reconstruction, which could have meant 12 months out, so to be told it's only four months is a big bonus.

"When I did the injury, I didn't think it was a nasty one. The knee took the full impact of my fall, but there was nothing to suggest it was serious. When I think back to what I was doing on holiday - trampolining and jet-ski-ing - I'm lucky I didn't make things worse.''

Ehiogu added: "I'm just thankful that the club sent me to see the top man in the world.

"You also take a lot of heart from Juninho's recovery, but the injuries are different. David James probably had an injury more like mine, but he was in plaster for a while.

"Juninho has told me in a nutshell that he didn't like the ice treatment, but you have to get used to it. He's said that if I have any problems, to have a word with him.'' Ehiogu's year has been blighted by injuries - literally from day one. He suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung in the New Year's Day defeat at Blackburn and was out for two months.

"It's been a bit of a nightmare, but injuries are part and parcel of the game,'' said Ehiogu, who despite his injury troubles refuses to give up on his England career.

"As long as I was fit and playing well, I would give myself a chance.''

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