Middlesbrough FC

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• Manager:Tony Mowbray

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Pogatetz hailed by Southgate

29 Mar 2008 - 10:18:30

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Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz has won praise from manager Gareth Southgate for his recent performances for Boro.

The 25-year-old Austria international missed the opening months of the season due to injury, but has returned to play a key role for Boro, being handed the captain's armband in recent weeks.

Southgate said: "Emanuel coming back from injury away at Bolton in November was an important part of the season for us.

"His will to win, his desire and his general attitude and leadership has always been important. I think wearing the armband for the last few weeks has given him the confidence to say things he feels are important.

"Players like George Boateng play the game the same way whether they are captain or not. With Manny he probably needed the confidence of wearing the armband to say certain things.

"You need five or six leaders in your team and we are certainly starting to get more people to step forward into those roles."