Matthew Bates was the shining star of MFC's prodigious youth academy - he is the one they all tipped for the top.
A member of the FA Youth Cup winning side and an England International at Under Eighteen level, he made his full Boro debut in December 2004 and signed a professional contract with the club a month later.
But two years out with cruciate ligament injuries to both knees and surgery to correct the problem threatened to make him a never-was, just another hotly tipped youngster who for one reason or another didn't make it.
Bates battled hard to return to fitness and push for a place in the team but even the talented defender himself would not have thought that he would become a semi-regular fixture in Boro's centre midfield.
" I see myself as a defender, well I did until I got injured. I see myself as a centre half, not a right back.
"When we lose, some of the fans are asking why I don't play right back. I think people have got to remember I'm a centre half not a right back. I'm more comfortable in centre mid than right back."
Does he agree that flexibility of position is one of his assets?
"A little bit yes. I came back and I played in midfield. I have three positions to play in now so that helps myself and the club. Maybe that's why it has helped me out in midfield - by being on the ball a little bit.
"It has surprised me how well it has gone in midfield. I have enjoyed it and I feel that there is more to come.
"I'm happy to be playing anywhere really!"
It is not surprising given the extent and frequency of his injuries...
"Three injuries - obviously it was disappointing."
But Bates has moved on and his focus is squarely on Boro's predicament this season and he is quick to point out that it is not just the strikers who have been underperforming this season.
"The fans have got the right [to complain] and people have been complaining about Alves, but I can't remember the last time we scored from a set piece. We can't hide from that."
Bates also disputes his sending off against Portsmouth. The midfielder? was sent off for two bookable offences.
"That first booking was a booking I admit that but the second... I expected to get caught, it's just momentum. When I was on the floor, I knew he hadn't touched me so I got up. I didn't look for a penalty but if it had been a top four team, it wouldn't have been a booking.
"I don't dive, that's not my game. It's balance and expecting the touch."
Going a man down galvanised the team and Boro almost snatched a late winner.
After he departed the field, Bates was cheering on team mate Afonso Alves who was so nearly Boro's hero that afternoon.
"I was in the changing room watching the game, hoping it would go in but it didn't happen."
Portsmouth should have been a turning point for the Boro but once again poor finishing and a lack of belief let us down.
The players seem to have been in a bubble, perhaps protected by Southgate or living in denial and it is only just dawning on many of them how bad the situation actually is.
Matty Bates is determined that Boro's season is not over yet though.
"I was looking at odds for relegation the other day and I was surprised how low they were [for Boro].
"We have to look forward not back.
"[We've got] Bolton then two home games on the bounce after that, three winable games.
"That's how football works - the fans are thinking we could be playing in the Championship next season but as players we can't do that, it's just the next game [we must focus on].
"It's a cliche but we just go from game to game.
"Now I want to play as much as I can and get my team out of the situation we are in."
Matthew Bates returns to action today after serving his one match suspension. If his team mates display half the committment it has taken Bates to return to first team football, we may just surprise ourselves with the results.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 4/4/2009
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