Malcolm Crosby has denied rumours he is to leave Middlesbrough Football Club.

Gareth Southgate’s assistant has been absent from recent games sparking speculation he is to quit the Riverside Stadium, but he insists an operation is the reason behind his no-shows.

"It doesn't bother me because it's not true but these people have put it in the paper when they've noticed I wasn't at the game," said Crosby, who has been Southgate's number two since 2006.

"I'm here, I'll be at the Arsenal game and my future is with Boro. I was still playing reserve team football in my early 40's and I'm paying for it now so I've had the hip operation.''

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