COMBATIVE midfielder who has represented England at U16, U17 and U18 levels, captaining his country at U19 level in a game against Holland in Walsall in August 2006.

He made the step up to the U21 squad for the first time in early October 2006 - just 10 months after his Premiership debut.

Although usually used in central midfield, he can also play to good effect as a right-sided player.

An excellent all round sportsman, Lee made his Boro debut and also picked up a yellow card as a late substitute for Jason Kennedy in the 2-0 UEFA win over Litex Lovech in December 2005 which earned the team top spot in Group D.

He made his full Premiership debut in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on January 2 2006. Many pundits gave him the Man of the Match award and comparisons were made to George Boateng.

He continued to impress throughout the remainder of his first season, earning a UEFA Cup runners-up medal as a substitute against Sevilla in Eindhoven in May 2006. 

As well as tough tackling he also has an eye for goal, scoring Premier League match-winners at Manchester City and Fulham and a spectacular strike in a 2-2 FA Cup quarter-final draw with Manchester United. 

His form was rewarded with a new four-year Boro contract in November 2006.