Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The 24-year-old injured his knee after clashing with defender Alan Hutton during last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The former Portsmouth player underwent surgery on his right knee, and Middlesbrough club doctors have now confirmed that he will play no further part this season.

Grant Downie, head of the club's medical department, said: "The surgeon is happy that everything went well.

"It was a routine operation and Gary is expected to be available for pre season training in the summer."

O'Neil joined Boro from Portsmouth on the last day of the 2007 summer transfer window. The former England under-21 captain immediately grabbed a regular place in the side, and has made 29 appearances this season.

Tony Mabert / Eurosport