Middlesbrough handed 'sooner rather than later' injury verdict

It's been more than a year since Tommy Smith last kicked a ball in anger - but there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Middlesbrough defender.

The 32-year-old has been out of action since rupturing his Achilles against Birmingham City in October 2023, and admits his recovery has been a long, hard road. But the former Huddersfield Town and Stoke City defender is now targeting a return, which he hopes will come in the near future.

Smith was restricted to just seven appearances for Boro last term after playing 40 games in his first season with the club after signing from Stoke. However, he hopes the end is soon in sight for his recovery and admits it's been tough on the comeback trail.

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"I'm on the road to recovery and hopefully I'll be back on the grass again sooner rather than later," he said on the 72+: The EFL Podcast. "I want to get fit as soon as possible. I've absolutely hated every single minute of his rehabilitation.

"I'm a firm believer that it will make me stronger mentally. But I just want to get back on the grass. I crave that routine of going in on a Monday morning and preparing for a game on a Saturday."

Smith has seen Luke Ayling arrive as first-choice right-back since his injury, but his return will be a big boost for Michael Carrick, with a strong squad vital for a prolonged promotion campaign.