Boro sign winger Yeates

Irish winger makes the move to the Riverside

Last updated: 26th June 2009  

Boro sign winger Yeates

Yeates: Riverside move

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Middlesbrough have confirmed their first summer signing in winger Mark Yeates from Colchester for an undisclosed fee.

The Irishman, who began his career at Tottenham, has enjoyed a successful two seasons at Colchester where he has developed an eye for goal.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will have made note of the 13 goals Yeates netted last season and will hope he can recreate the same kind of form at The Riverside as Middlesbrough seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

Yeates, 24, has revealed his delight at the move from the League One outfit and will has vowed to do his utmost to help the team on their promotion quest.

"This is massive for me," he told the club's official website. "There was interest from other clubs but there was only one thing in my mind once my agent had told me Middlesbrough had been in touch.

"This club belongs in the Premier League, the fans deserve to be there and I can't wait to play in front of them.

"I want to hit the ground running when the new season starts. It would be fantastic for me to get back into the Premier League and that's what the gaffer wants to do, that will be the aim this season."

Versatility is a big part of Yeates' game and he hopes his ability to find the net from the wing will impress his new fans.

"I can play on the right or the left. I played a full season's Championship football on the right for Colchester, while I played most of last season on the left," he said.

"For a winger, I think my goals record is quite good. I got 13 last season and eight by Christmas the season before until I got injured.

"I promise the fans I'll give 110 per cent. I'm hungry to prove that I deserve to be here."