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. Included in an U21 squad for the first time in early October 2006 - 10 months after his Premiership debut.

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

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.

Made his full Premiership debut in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on January 2 2006. Many pundits gave Cattermole 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. 

Signed a new four year contract with the club in November 2006