IN THE HOTSEAT - LEE CATTERMOLE

MIDFIELDER Lee Cattermole answers your questions in the latest of our popular Q&A sessions.

What would you say is the highlight of your career so far as a footballer?
Alex Turner

LC: Well Alex, I know a lot of people would say that it would be their debut, but mine is the game in Rome last season. Everyone was predicting us to go out the UEFA Cup but we put on a fantastic performance and it was an honour to be part of the team that night.

Which position do you prefer to play, right-midfield or centre-midfield?
Iwan Evans, 14, North Wales, also Hailee Collinson, Barlby, North Yorkshire

LC: It's no secret that I prefer to play in the centre of midfield Iwan. I've played there my entire career, all the way through the youth ranks with Boro and into the first team. I feel comfortable playing in the middle. Sometimes I lose my strength as a ball-winner if I play on the right.

Do you get really annoyed when other players don't go in for a tackle? Also how long do you think you will stay with Boro?
Gemma, Linthorpe

LC: Obviously I don't like to see it because that's what I base my whole game around. But I think we're pretty good at getting stuck in here. As for my future with Boro, I have just signed a new long-term contract and am more than happy to be here for the foreseeable future.

I'm a South Korean Boro supporter and have been watching for about three years. In my judgement, you will become the successor of Gerrard. Who do you really admire? Who's your best friend (team-mate)? What's your impression of Korea?
Yoon Jong-Seok, Wonju, South Korea

LC: That's very kind of you. If I'm as successful as Mr Gerrard, I'll be a very happy man! Funny you should mention Stevie G because I have complete admiration for him as a player. I think he's a great role model for young midfielders. I'm also a huge fan of AC Milan's Gennaro Gattusso.

My best friend is Matthew Bates. I've come up through the youth ranks with him and he's a top lad. Matt was injured when on loan to Ipswich earlier in the season but he's well on the road to recovery now and will be back next season.

I've never been to Korea but I would love to travel there one day. Dong Gook has said it's a very beautiful place and if the people there are as friendly as him, I'm sure I'll have a great time. Definitely one for the summer holidays in the future!

I'm a fan from South America and I think you're a great player, the best in your position. What do you think about the long distance fans that are supporting you, do you notice it? Do you know you have many people that haven't ever been to the Riverside, but admire your team and are always wishing you the best? Whenever you want to come to Uruguay for a friendly I'll be there supporting you! You might have only one fan here but I'm sure I can get two or three people to help me to make some noise :).
Romina, Uruguay

LC: Hi Romina, thank you for your kind words. I am aware we have fans all over the world. It's fantastic when we travel abroad and see people wearing their Boro shirts. If we ever play in the World Club Championships, I think we'll definitely need your support!

Who do you think will be the next star from the Middlesbrough Academy to secure a place in the senior squad?
Kevin Jeffries

LC: I think Seb Hines has a big future here. He is a versatile defender and has performed well when he's come into the first team. I think he's got a very level head on his shoulders and doesn't panic when on the ball.

What part of the team do you think we need to improve during the summer transfer window?
Stuart

LC: I think we need another attacking wide player, ideally someone who plays on the right. I would also bring a striker in and maybe even two if Mark Viduka decided his future lies elsewhere. If Woody decided to go back to Madrid then possibly another defender as well.

I used to play football with your Dad many years ago with the Boro Boys under the management of Dave Richards. Barry (your dad) had a great left peg and won many a game for us all though years ago. We got to the quarters of the FA Youth cup. My question is, I believe your dad signed on for the Boro at 16, and with his experience behind him, did he have any impact or influence on your decision to sign for the Boro as an apprentice? Keep up the good work son. You are a star!
Arthur Hopson, Melbourne

LC: Hi Arthur. I've probably seen your face in my Dad's scrapbook. I look at it all the time. He keeps telling me he had the best left foot in the North East but I don't know whether that's entirely true! I completely respect the fact that he knows exactly what I'm going through at the moment and I always look up to him for advice.

How do you feel about being a first team regular now at only a young age, even if it is on the right? But your long-term plans are obviously to cement a first team place in your most favoured position and I'm just wondering how long would you be willing to stay at the Boro for?
Tom Bullock, Boro

LC: It's a fantastic achievement to be play week in, week out at my age. I know that I am very fortunate to be playing the sport that I love and am very proud of that particular fact. But at the same time I know I am not the finished article and want to keep on learning until I fulfill my true potential.

I believe there are different categories of Premiership players. Everyone in the league has a certain amount of talent but I want to push myself to become one of the very best in my position. Only then will I be truly satisfied.

What other ambitions do you have away from football?
Robert Thorpe, Pickering

LC: I don't really have ambitions as such away from football. I just want to be happy, healthy and spend time with my family.

If you were the Boro manager, what changes would you make to the team (if any)?
Katie H

LC: That's a difficult one Katie. I would have my own opinions if I took the hot seat and who knows one day? But at the moment we have a new, bright young manager who is doing very well.

What cars do you drive?
Luke Howells

LC: I drive a BMW 650 convertible at the moment.

Who is the hardest player you have faced?
Mohammad Ibrar, Oldham.

LC: Without doubt it would have to be Simone Perotta of Roma. During our second leg, I thought he was incredible. His touch and movement on the night was like nothing I have ever seen before. I've watched videos of the game and keep a close eye on his progress when I can.

What was it like to run out in front of a Premiership crowd last season on your debut and how nervous were you to play in front of a crowd?
Simon Stanforth, Liverpool

LC: I was really nervous in the warm up but when the whistle went and I got a few touches under my belt, I felt pretty comfortable with things. It was certainly a day I will never forget, a dream come true.

Do you gain experience when you play alongside more experienced midfielders or do you prefer to work things out yourself?
James Mennell, Darlington

LC: I enjoy playing in the same side as George because he's been there and done it at the highest level. I try to learn from as many people as I can but at the same time I want to be my own player and do things my own way.

When you where younger as a kid did you ever think you would grow up to play for Boro and now being a Boro player has it changed your life in anyway?
Razmo, Norton

LC: All I've every wanted to do is play for Middlesbrough and I knew that I would do from a pretty early age. I am very proud to be a local lad playing for the team I supported as a boy.

But I always keep my feet on the ground. Obviously it is nice to be played for playing the game that you love but that does have downfalls - it's just part of growing up. I know exactly who my friends are.

Do you think that Boro can finish the season in the top half of the table?
Tom Bell, 11

LC: I know we've had a few disappointing results but if we can put a good run together between now and the end of the season then I seen no reason why we can't.

As a born and bred Boro lad, would you ever consider moving to a bigger club to fulfill your full potential if Boro struggle in the coming years?
Simon Laidler

LC: Hi Simon. I'm an ambitious person and I want to be the very best I can be. If that means moving to a different club to further my career at some point, then so be it. But I hope I can do all the things I want to with Boro

I heard a rumour that you used to support Arsenal. Please tell me this isn't true!
Graham Leggett, Stockton

LC: That's the worst rumour I've ever heard Graham! No it's certainly not true. The only similarity is the red and white! Give me Teesside any day.

Lee, what changes do you feel you need to make to your game to become a top player?
George Hartley

LC: I don't think I need to make any changes as such. I just believe there is more to add. I like to work on my shooting range as well as my passing and overall energy levels. But this is an ongoing thing, it's never something I take for granted.

Who are your favourite Boro player as you were growing up, were you Juninho mad like the rest of us?
Keith Richards, Ormesby

LC: Yes I really liked watching Juninho but I loved Paul Ince. He is the type of player I aim to be - a leader both on and off the pitch with a big heart. But Juninho was a legend!

I'm thinking of putting on a bet about you captaining the England senior side some time in the future like Chris Kirkland's dad did about him playing for the national side before he was 30. What odds would you give me? Keep up the good work!
Liz Dixon

LC: Well Liz, I'm not really a betting man but I'm prepared to have a private bet with you! I'll give you 25/1 but don't put too much money on, I can't afford it!

What do you want to do after you retire from football, which is a good few years yet?
Alex, Thornaby

LC: I just want to have a complete relax, spend time with the family and work on my short game on the golf course!

Could you get Lee Cattermole to send me his signature to Thomas Conroy?
Thomas Conroy

LC: I'll stick one in the post for you Thomas, no problem mate.