COMBATIVE midfielder who has represented England at U16, U17 and U18 levels, captaining his country at U19 level in a game against Holland in Walsall in August 2006.

He made the step up to the U21 squad for the first time in early October 2006 - just 10 months after his Premiership debut.

Although usually used in central midfield, he can also play to good effect as a right-sided player.

An excellent all round sportsman, Lee made his Boro debut as a substitute in 'Boro's 2-0 UEFA win over Litex Lovech in December 2005.He made his full Premiership debut in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on January 2 2006 with many pundits giving him the Man of the Match award. 

He continued to impress throughout the remainder of his first season, earning a UEFA Cup runners-up medal as a substitute against Sevilla in Eindhoven in May 2006.

As well as tough tackling he also has an eye for goal, scoring Premier League match-winners for 'Boro at Manchester City and Fulham and a spectacular strike in a 2-2 FA Cup quarter-final draw with Manchester United.

Having caught eye of Steve Bruce, Lee made the switch to Latics in time for his debut in the pre-season fixture at Barnsley which saw him bossing the midfield with Latics running out 6-0 winners over the FA Cup semi-finalists of 2008.

Lee has made a impressive start to Wigan Athletic career starting every Premier League game he has been eligible for (as of writing).

In the summer of 2009 Lee represented England at the U21 European Championships, scoring his first international goal against Finland in the opening fixture and helping them to the final where they were defeated by Germany.