DAVID WHEATER today handed Gareth Southgate a huge boost by declaring he'll be fit and ready for the big kick-off against Sheffield United at the Riverside on August 7.

The big defender underwent keyhole surgery at the end of the season to successfully repair a cartilage problem and returned to Rockliffe Park this week to step up his rehabilitation.

Wheater said: "I'm certain that I'll be ready for the first match against Sheffield United.

"I started working on the knee on Tuesday and everything seems fine.

"I've been doing squats to strengthen the knee and that's the sort of thing I'll be doing for starters.

"I'm working with Grant Downie, our head physio, and he seems quite pleased with everything. In fact I think I'm ahead of schedule, which is great.

"They said that I wouldn't be able to drive for a couple of weeks after the op, but I felt well enough to drive after four or five days."

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The operation meant missing out on the UEFA U21 Championship finals but while that was a disappointment to the player, the sacrifice could pay rich dividends for his club.

Wheater said: "I should be able to join in with the rest of the squad around July 20.

"I'll miss what the lads have to do when they come back on Monday but I'll have no problems catching up.

"I don't know what will happen with the friendlies, but it's all about working on my fitness."

Wheater has been linked with interest from suitors including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Birmingham City this summer but has always made it clear he is staying to help Boro regain their Premier League place.

"Nobody likes being relegated but you have to get on with it," he said. "We just have to concentrate on trying to go straight back up again.

"If we keep as many players as we can, I think we have a great chance of doing it.

"We know that it's a tough league but we have players who can handle it."

"We can't think it's going to be easy. We just have to take each game as it comes.

The 22-year-old defender not only recognises the importance of a solid start but the need to maintain it. 

"Obviously it's a good start for us against Sheffield United because they will be one of the toughest teams.

"A good start is important, but we got one last season and it fizzled out.

"But if we can keep all the players happy and everybody focuses on going up, then everything should be fine."

Fellow centre-backs Chris Riggott and Emanuel Pogatetz will also work with the club's fitness staff rather than the full squad on their return to the training ground

Riggott underwent surgery on a long-term ankle problem, while Pogatetz was another who underwent a knee op.

They are not expected to be fit for the start of the season.

Stewart Downing also needs longer to recover from foot surgery, but Afonso Alves should be fit after a broken foot.