SKILFUL and versatile central midfielder.

An England U16, U17, U18, and U19, international, he has captained his country at each level.

Scored against Wales on his debut for the U16s and also hit the back of the net against Portugal.

Played in the Victory Shield, Montague Tournament, Pepsi Tournament and took part in a friendly series in Luxembourg in autumn 2005.

His potential was recognised by Steve McClaren when he came on as a substitute for the first team in a pre-season friendly against Carlisle in July 2005, completing the scoring in a 4-2 victory after playing a one-two with Szilard Nemeth.    

A bright future is predicted for the Newcastle-born player who was on loan with Bournemouth in the 2006-07 season, making six appearances for the Cherries who were interested in taking him on a permanent basis.

His progress was hampered by a medial knee ligament injury suffered in a Reserve friendly at Leeds United in summer 2007. 

A loan with Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen early in 2008 brought international prominence as he scored a wonder goal in a 2-2 UEFA Cup draw with German giants Bayern Munich.

He celebrated by signing a new one-year Boro contract and made his full Barclays Premier League debut with a fine performance against Sunderland at the Riverside in January 2009 before being injured early in the second half.

His progress was rewarded when he signed a new contract committing him to Boro to June 2011 in February 2009.

Together with Jason Steele, was a member of the England squad in the 2009 U20 World Cup in Egypt.