McManus relieved after loan switch

Middlesbrough defender Stephen McManus said he was relieved to get through his debut for Bristol City after arriving on loan just hours before their game with Crystal Palace.

The 29-year-old Scottish international completed the full ninety minutes of the 2-2 draw at Ashton Gate, where he will now remain until the end of the season.

"It was eventful. I was standing there with 15 minutes to go with my tongue hanging out so it was good to get through it," McManus told BBC Radio Bristol. "I've not even got any clothes down with me, just the stuff that I came into training with this morning. That sometimes happens in football but you've just got to deal with it."

McManus has made 21 appearances for Boro so far this term but only two of them since the turn of the year. He still has eighteen months of his contract left and wouldn't be drawn over whether his latest move may eventually become permanent.

"I'll take every game as it comes," he added. "It's not crossed my mind, you could come here and club might not want you [to stay]. The only thing I'm expecting in the summer is to go on my next holiday."

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