McManus returns to Ashton Gate on loan

Stephen McManus spent a short time at Ashton Gate on loan earlier this year Credit: David Davies/PA Archive

City have agreed a 93-day emergency loan deal for Middlesbrough defender Stephen McManus.

The deal sees the return of the 30-year-old centre-half who spent a brief loan spell at Ashton Gate between February and March.

McManus has been handed squad number 19. Manager Derek McInnes says it's great to have somebody who already knows their ways.

Stephen McManus (no 4) scoring for Scotland during their Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein in 2010 Credit: AP Photo/Scott Heppell

Internationally, McManus has 26 caps for Scotland, with two goals, and has also taken the captain's armband on numerous occasions.

He is unable to face his parent club, Middlesbrough, at the Riverside on November 24th, or play in the FA Cup third round.

The deal - which runs until January 17th - still has to be approved by the Football League.