Source: Northern_Echo
Wheater urges Middlesbrough to keep ‘Mick’
MIDDLESBROUGH defender David Wheater is desperate to continue his partnership with Stephen McManus and urged the club to tie the Scotland international to a longer deal.[LNB] McManus will return to Celtic at the end of the season when his loan deal expires unless Boro can agree terms with the Glasgow giants who recently parted company with manager Tony Mowbray.[LNB] Wheater admits the change of management at Parkhead could scupper the possibility of extending McManus's stay but he remained hopeful that a deal could be agreed.[LNB] After enduring a stop-start season when he's played alongside seven different centre- backs partners, the Redcar- born player is in no mood to see his burgeoning understanding with McManus cut short. Gordon Strachan shares Wheater's admiration for the player known to his team-mates as Mick' and regards him as the type of character he wants at the club.[LNB] Wheater outlined the case for retaining McManus, saying: If it was up to me I'd keep Mick at the club but that may be out of our hands with the managerial situation at Celtic. Most of the centrebacks I've played with have been fantastic but it's all about developing an understanding.[LNB] If me and Mick can play for a long run then I think it will help my game and benefit the club. Hopefully he'll be with us next season.[LNB] I don't think anyone else at my age will have had as many defensive partners. The longest I've had this season was with Sean (St Ledger) which lasted about 12 games.[LNB] As a young centre-half you need to be settled down with someone. It's been tough but now I'm playing every week with Mick I think my performances have picked up. Having a steady central defensive partnership is a massive help.[LNB] He's played in the Champions League and for Scotland so he had that experience.[LNB] He's a good talker. I think all of the Scottish lads are like that and the manager loves shouting too! But that's what you need.[LNB] Meanwhile, star striker Scott McDonald could make a surprise return against Crystal Palace this Saturday after his hamstring injury responded well to treatment.[LNB]
