PLAYER PROFILE

Lee Cattermole

Position: Midfield

Height: 5'10

Weight: 12st 0lbs

Date of Birth: 1988-03-21 Stockton, England

Lee Cattermole

Middlesbrough debutant Lee Cattermole won high praise from manager Steve McClaren after his performance in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on 2nd January 2006.

The 17-year-old midfielder was drafted in to face the Magpies due to injuries to George Boateng, Stewart Downing, Ray Parlour and Fabio Rochemback and went on to play his part in an improved performance.

McClaren said: "We looked a good team, defended well, had a good shape and a good balance, played good football, and in Lee Cattermole we have found another one coming through the academy who can hold his own in the Premier League.

"It was a big game for him and didn't he handle it well? It was a gritty performance.

"He played alongside Doriva and gave us a bit of steel, but also he can play football.

"That's what impressed me the most, his character. He was unfazed and I think that's the biggest thing when we throw the kids in, how do they look, how do they feel and how do they handle it.

"There's another one who's handled it very well."

He finished the 2005/06 season having played 24 games and scored once, the winner in an April 2006 match against Manchester City.

These stats rose to two goals in 30 starts in the 2006/07 season and he is now a vital part of a youthful Middlesbrough squad.