Middlesbrough defender Seb Hines has hailed the return of defender Matthew Bates from injury and hopes to join him in Saturday's visit of Cardiff City.Bates overcame cruciate ligament problems to captain the side this season, while Hines has been working hard after long-term ankle problems.
"We've both come through long-term injuries and it's good to see him out there playing," Hines told BBC Tees.
"It would be quality to play next to him on Saturday."
Hines continued: "Obviously every footballer wants to be on the pitch, particularly Matthew.
"It's great to see him out there with the captain's armband, leading the team out and establishing himself as a good player at Middlesbrough."
Hines was widely tipped to follow in the footsteps of Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson and David Wheater in establishing himself as a first-team regular at the Riverside when he made a scoring debut for the club in a 4-3 FA Cup win against Hull City in January 2007.
However injuries, including three broken arms, medial knee ligament problems and the most recent ankle troubles picked up in December 2009 have restricted his first-team outings to nine in four years as a professional at the Riverside.
"It was horrendous, I started getting back into training during the last couple of training sessions of last season and then I got a set-back coming into preseason so we had to put it back.
"I progressed from there, I was doing alright until I got a further minor injury in my foot, but it wasn't too serious, I didn't need an operation which usually happens with me.
"Now it's alright, I'm not getting too excited, I'm up for selection but if the gaffer puts me in I'll do a job.
"I just hope it's on Saturday."
Hines, who also had spells on loan with Derby County and Oldham Athletic, is tied to the club until February 2011.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport