Reserve defender Chris Hogg needed a four-hour operation on his arm after attempting to chase thieves who were trying to steal his sister's car over Christmas.

Hogg needed the surgery to repair damage to nerves, tendons and the main artery on his left arm.

The defender saw his sister's car being robbed and banged on a door to warn them off, smashing a window and cutting his arm badly in the process. Hogg was rushed to a Middlesbrough hospital by family where he received the treatment.

The reserve regular will have a splint on his arm for six weeks but is hopeful of getting back into action much sooner.

The Middlesbrough-born player has failed to make the progress which was hoped for when he joined Town from York City in 2001 as a 16-year-old for a fee which could eventually have reached £150,000 depending on appearances.

Now 19, Hogg has never nade the first team squad at Portman Road and was sent out on loan at Boston last season. Capped at various England youth levels including U20, Hogg will leave the club when his contract is up in the summer.

Photo: Action Images

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