Cattermole future in doubt after being left out (From The Northern Echo)

Cattermole future in doubt after being left out

9:34pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008 in Middlesbrough By Paul Fraser, Chief Football Writer

LEE CATTERMOLE was left out of the Middlesbrough squad in the Algarve tonight, fuelling the belief that he is close to leaving.

The Stockton-born midfielder, who trained on the morning, is thought to have been left out in fear that an injury could prevent him from sealing a deal.

The Latics, who had an offer of £2.5m rejected last week, have been preparing a new bid for the player, with Boro looking for £1m more than that.

While Cattermole was not even among the susbstitutes, new signing Marvin Emnes was handed his first start in the Estadio Algarve against Scottish champions Celtic.

The Dutch forward, a £3.2m buy from Sparta Rotterdam, was the only close-season recruit to be named in the starting line-up against the Bhoys after receiving international clearance this morning. Frenchman Didier Digard, signed from PSG, was on the bench.

Manager Gareth Southgate interestingly included a couple of highly-rated youngsters in his side, with both Josh Walker and Graeme Owens involved.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Turnbull; Young, Wheater, Pogatetz, Grounds; Walker, Arca, Shawky; Emnes, Alves, Owens. Subs: Tuncay, Aliadiere, A Johnson, J Johnson, O’Neil, Digard, Taylor, Williams, Huth, McMahon, Steele.

CELTIC: M Brown; Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Wilson; Brown, Hartley, Robson, McGeady; McDonald, Samaras. Subs: Boruc, Naylor, Balde, O’Dea, Caddis, Donati, Vennegoor, McGowan.

* For a match report of Boro's first match in the Algarve log on to The Northern Echo's website later tonight.