MATTHEW BATES has vowed to fight back from his latest injury nightmare after undergoing successful surgery in London.

The 22-year-old utility man went under the knife to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, his fourth operation of its kind in recent years.

But speaking from his hospital bed he was in positive frame of mind, vowing to return to action for Boro next season.

"I know people might have read that it could be the end of my career but that's never entered my head, and the surgeons agree," he said.

"They've said there's no reason I shouldn't get back to playing." 

"Unfortunately, it will be at least six months before I'm running again so it looks like I'm out for the season now.

"I really wanted to play a big part in helping the club win promotion this season but it wasn't meant to be. Now the aim is to get me back for pre-season next year."

The operation was carried out by Dr Andy Williams in London on Tuesday.

"The surgeon says every part of the operation went smoothly, he was pleased with the outcome.

"He found very much what he expected but he has carried out a slightly different procedure from the one I've had before that should help stabilise the knee as well the cruciate.

"My orthopaedic surgeon has already carried out major ops on players like Didier Drogba and more recently Freddie Flintoff," he said.

"It was reassuring to see someone like Freddie utilising this same surgeon's skills just before I was relying on him!"

Stockton-born Bates broke down during a pre-season friendly at Carlisle just days after signing a new Boro contract.

Having successfully battled back from three cruciate ligament operations before, he knows what he faces in the long months ahead.

"I have to ensure there's no weight-bearing on the knee for the next six weeks but then I'll gradually increase the exercise and step up the rehab from there. I'll be going into Rockliffe to do exercises in a few days' time."

Far from being disillusioned after this latest blow, Bates is now more determined than ever to make a success of his career.

"I've played 20 games in the Premier League so I know I can do it at that level," he said.

"My ultimate goal is getting back playing and staying playing. I'll look to do my rehab away from the club because it's hard being at the training ground when you're not involved." I've checked out a rehab centre in Austria so that's an option."