Steve McClaren has hailed Lee Cattermole as his new midfield general.
Steve McClaren has hailed Lee Cattermole as his new midfield general.The 17-year-old only burst onto the first team scene at the start of January when he made his Premiership debut in the Tyne-Tees derby at Newcastle and he won mass plaudits for his all-action display.
He has now started Middlesbrough's last four games and has shone - despite the team's indifferent displays.
"When we needed people to stand up and be counted, it took a 17-year-old to bring everyone together," McClaren beamed.
"He has led the way and although there is a long way to go he has great potential.
"Lee will run through walls for you and has a great attitude.
"He is a quiet lad and just gets on and works ever so hard."
Many Boro fans are now waiting with bated breath to see Cattermole combined with George Boateng in midfield, with the Dutchman back in training following his ankle injury.
However, McClaren feels that Cattermole has more than made up for Boateng's absence in recent weeks.
"George says we have to wait for the real tiger to come back, but I say to him we already have one in Lee," he said.
"He is a big Catt in more ways than one."
