Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has revealed Chris Riggott is ahead of schedule in his bid to return from injury.

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Riggott has been struggling with an ankle injury for some time and underwent a further operation last month.

Southgate claims the operation has remedied the problem and says the defender can now press ahead with his rehabilitation.

"Chris Riggott has started running in the water and it will be another couple of weeks before he is running again," Southgate told the Northern Echo.

"We always felt with Chris that it could be Christmas before he returns, but he is very happy with the latest prognosis.

"The problem he was having with his ankle has gone so that has given him the confidence to go forward. He is a pretty fit lad and his general fitness levels are pretty good.

"We just have to get him to that next stage and then we will take it from there."