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.