Source: Northern_Echo
Team-mates won’t get any peace with Yeates in the Boro ranks
MARK YEATES is a contender to replace Stewart Downing on Middlesbroughs left wing this season but there could hardly be a greater contrast between the two players.[LNB] While Downing was a cultured presence on the field and softly spoken when being interviewed, Yeates is a non-stop flurry of activity; a motormouth who brings an effervescence to both dressing room and pitch.[LNB] If there was any lingering gloom in the Boro camp following last seasons campaign then it will have been swept away by the Dubliner who admits: I like a joke and you cant shut me up.[LNB] During pre-season hes entertained the Boro faithful on both flanks swapping from left to right with Adam Johnson who is already accustomed to Gareth Southgates tactic of switching his wingers during a game.[LNB] Yeates possesses none of Downings grace on the pitch but if this season is all about hard graft and will-to-win then Yeates could be Southgates secret weapon.[LNB] I like getting forward and Ive played as a striker as well as on the wing,[LNB] revealed the 24-year-old who started his career at Tottenham before eventually joining the Colchester United side that won promotion to the Championship two years ago.[LNB] The gaffer wants me to support the strikers and theres a responsibility on us to grab goals if we can.[LNB] Leroy Lita is a striker with the potential to score 20 goals a season at Championship level. But with the former Reading marksman seriously short of match fitness, Yeates striking prowess could prove vital in the early stages of the campaign.[LNB] His 13 goals made him Colchesters top scorer last season and his ability from set-pieces will be sorely missed by Us fans. Hes already caught the attention of Boro supporters and his banter during the game with the hardy souls who travelled to Dumbarton last month, suggests hes a Teesside folk hero in the making.[LNB] Ive always had a great relationship with fans wherever Ive played, he declared.[LNB] I like to think they see Im just a normal lad like them and I never take playing for granted. You wont see me shirking my responsibilities, I work my socks off and I think supporters who pay their hard-earned money deserve that at the very least.[LNB] I knew this was a huge club but when youre playing pre-season at Dumbarton and theres something like 500 people from Middlesbrough you think Jeez, this is a proper club! It makes you proud but also means youve got to come up with the goods. I cant wait to give my best for the shirt and if I can get the crowd smiling then alls well and good. Yeates, who will sport the number 7 shirt which was last worn by George Boateng two seasons ago, added: Im a talker, the lads dont get a minutes peace while Im around. But you need that at a club.[LNB] There are some superb players here and I know it will be a battle to break through with internationals and Under-21s at the club.[LNB] But I want to get my first full Ireland cap and this gives me the chance to catch Mr Trapattonis eye Ive heard he keeps a close eye on the Championship![LNB] INS AND OUTS[LNB] IN: Danny Coyne (Tranmere Rovers, free), Mark Yeates (Colchester United, £500,000), Leroy Lita (Reading, free) OUT: Mido (El Zamalek, loan); Stewart Downing (Aston Villa, £12m), Ross Turnbull (Chelsea, free), Graeme Owens (Kilmarnock, free)[LNB]
