DUBLINER Mark Yeates has already become a fans' favourite since joining from Colchester United in the summer.

He sat down with mfc.co.uk to answer questions sent in for our first Q&A of the season... 

Were you surprised or disappointed with Middlesbrough and it's surroundings as a place to play and live? What would you tell someone to encourage them to come here to play for us?
Dan Peart, Normanby

MY: The football club set up is top notch. It's a lot different to what I was used to at Colchester. The training ground is brilliant. I'm living in Yarm, which is quite a nice area, so I've been really pleased with how things are going. Things like that would never affect my decision to come to a club though. I'm from Dublin myself so it's just a normal city with working class people similar to myself, so it's no problem.

You've been at Boro a month or two now, have you tasted a parmo yet? If so, what did you think of it?
Jordan Beck

MY: I actually have, I've had one. I was just in a restaurant in Middlesbrough and someone said, 'Have you ever tried one of those?'. It wasn't bad!

You have played so well so far and are my favourite player. If Boro's and your form continue do you think you will be part of the Middlesbrough squad for life in the Premier League?
Timmy Kennedy, Lurgan, Northern Ireland

MY: If we continue in the same way we've started at the start of the season then there's no reason why we can't get back to the Premier League. That's the main aim and if I can I want to be part of it. I'm pleased with how it's going but it's early days and the whole squad has got to stay focussed.

Which teams did you play for in Ireland and do you think you'll play in the League of Ireland again one day?
Kevin Murphy, Derby

MY: I played for a club called Cherry Orchard and I signed for Tottenham from them. My father played for Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne. You can never say never, but I'd like to think I have a few years playing in England first!

You said in your first interview that when you heard Boro were after you that you were very excited. What does it feel like now to be wearing the shirt in front of the Boro faithful?
Chris Swales, Tollesby

MY: I feel excited, just as I did the day I signed for the club, I'm still over the moon about the move. Now we're in this busy part of the season I'm still excited but a bit more settled. My aim is to help the club keep pushing forward but I still feel as happy and excited as I did when I signed.

Which player do you model your game on?
Katie Jones, Sedgefield

MY: I play wide and there are a lot of good wide players out there. I'm probably not a typical winger but I like players such as Joe Cole and Arjen Robben. You've got to look at them and midfielders as well. You've also got to have your own individual style, but if you watch other players closely you'll get better.

You've only been at the club a few months, how well have you settled and has it helped that you've become a fans' favorite already? Also can we carry on playing this way?
Mike Hanlon

MY: The main thing as a footballer is that the fans appreciate you. I will let everyone else judge how I've been doing but there's a lot more to come from me. This team and this squad is one of the best in the league. Jonno is in great form with the goals he's scoring. Gary O'Neil is playing well and we've got Didier Digard to come back. Hopefully I'll be able to chip in with a few goals. We're there to be shot down so we have to stand up to the challenge every week.

I love playing football but one year ago I got bored of playing outfield for my local girls' team. So I thought I would try goal out. While I was in goal I got interested in another aspect of football, which was freestyling. I was just wondering if you where interested in freestyling or even know if it's easy to pick up? I can do basics like around the world and I can do the stalls. By the way, I've got Yeates on the back of my home top and good luck for the rest of the season.
Vicki Lee x

MY: I like doing tricks and getting on the ball. Before training all the lads have a go at some of the kick ups and tricks that these freestylers do. As for taking it up seriously, I'll leave that to you Vicki, hopefully you'll keep practising and get better and better.

Despite your impressive performances do you believe there's much room for improvement in your game?
Sam Hall, Ormesby

MY: I'm just waiting to get that first goal - there's nothing I want more. A lot of people know that over the last few seasons I've bagged a few from free-kicks and set pieces. I've only really had a couple of attempts so far. I've scored some good goals in my career and hopefully I can bag a few at the Riverside. Seeing the way Leroy celebrated his first goal I'm going to have to pull something special out of the bag with my celebration when I do get one!

Do you believe you can break into the Irish squad this season?
James Griffiths, Norton

MY: I can only play well for Middlesbrough Football Club and if my performances are good enough for people to sit up and take notice of me I'll be over the moon, but it's up to the people who select the squad, so for now Boro is my main focus.