England

David Wheater Commits To Middlesbrough

The young central defender will remain loyal to the club where he has spent the last five years...

Apr 4, 2009 1:19:29 PM

EPL: David Wheater - Amr Zaki, Middlesbrough - Wigan Athletic (PA)

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EPL: David Wheater - Amr Zaki, Middlesbrough - Wigan Athletic (PA)

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Middlesbrough centre-back David Wheater has shown loyalty to his club by stating that even if they are relegated, he will stay with them and work to get them back into the top flight.

The 22-year-old defender has been something of a revelation at the Riverside over the past two seasons, and has even received an England call-up as reward for his performances.

However, Boro are in real danger of relegation from the Premier League this season with the club sitting in 19th place in the league table. They have just eight games in which to save themselves.

It is expected that if the club are relegated, a whole host of players will leave in search of top flight football, but Wheater insists he will remain loyal to the club.

Speaking to The Sun, Wheater said, "It is up to the manager what he does.

"Maybe he will want to sell some players. But I have two-and-a-half years left on my contract so I will be at Middlesbrough for another two-and-a-half years, for sure.

"In your career, you are going to go through difficult times, I guess it's just good that I am getting it out of the way early on.

"I don't want to go through this ever again but I have to use these experiences to help me.

"It's going to be a physical battle but we need to start scoring. We've had the chances, we just need to stick them away."

Wheater was promoted to the Boro first team from the club's youth ranks and the Redcar-born player has made 66 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring five goals.

Nick Turner, Goal.com