Matthew Bates trains with Bristol City

Bristol City have invited former Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates to train with the club.

Bates left Middlesbrough earlier this week after he was unable to agree terms on a new contract at the club, and Bristol City manager Derek McInnes has revealed that he will spend a week at Ashton Gate.

McInnes said: "He's left Middlesbrough and is pleased to be training with us.

"Obviously he needs to build his fitness up after his latest injury, and we'll be having a look at him for a week or so."

Bates has recently returned to fitness after a cruciate knee ligament operation.