George Friend has said that he needs to prove himself as his Middlesbrough future hangs in the balance.

The popular defender is out of contract at the end of the season and faces the prospect of becoming a free agent in the summer.

His cause hasn't been helped with a serious hip injury which has limited him to just three first team appearances so far this term, but speaking after his return against Luton Town, Friend says that he's keen to make up for lost time.

As quoted by Teesside Live, Friend said: "For injuries this has probably been my worst. I have never had an injury that has kept me out like this.

“Neither have I had an injury where I have come back and had a set back. That has been hard to deal with.

“I had a target of surpassing 300 games for Boro this season and early I thought I would probably do it. I was about 15 off it. There is still a possibility of getting there but I’ve got different goals now.

“It is about performing well, proving I am worth my place. That is the big incentive now.”

Asked about his future at the club, Friend said: "There’s nothing I can say at the minute.

"I just wanted to get back playing first and then there might be more information on that.”

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The verdict

It's going to be an interesting few months for George Friend.

The defender has established himself as a real Middlesbrough favourite since joining the club in 2012, but there's a real potential for that time to come to an end this summer.

Friend is out of contract this summer and after an injury-ravaged season it remains to be seen whether he'll be offered a new deal.

The Teessiders are trying to cut their wage bill and so it's likely that the defender may have to take a pay cut if he's to stay at the Riverside Stadium.