for McGree has some

Boxing Day blow but Hellberg still cause for cheer

- By CRAIG JOHNS

KIM Hellberg does not believe Riley McGree's injury is a serious one, but has ruled out the versatile forward for Middlesbrough’s next two games.

McGree suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury in Saturday's defeat at Bristol City. It forced the Australian international off after just 15 minutes, and Boro felt the effect of not having the linkman in their attack.

It was particularly tough to see McGree looking so frustrated as he left the field at Ashton Gate, after so much hard work to try to get back after two-and-a-half years of injury hell.

Making appearances in each of Boro’s last ten, he was starting to get back to his very best and played a huge role in starting all five of Hellberg’s games in charge.

But ahead of Blackburn Rovers’ visit on Boxing Day, Hellberg said: “He will not be able to play this weekend. That's how it is, then we will see. It's not a long-term thing, so we will have to see exactly how it is, but he will not be able to play in the next two games.”