Bingo! A new deal is Wheater's reward

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It is easy to overlook the fact Wheater signed a new, threeand- a-half year deal yesterday at Middlesbrough, not least because his recent fame and interest from the likes of Liverpool have not registered at all.

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Head boy: Wheater has extended his stay at The Riverside

'Me and my girlfriend go to Nana's on a Sunday morning, then we'll go down to the amusements for a bit, get an ice cream but the bingo's not open until Easter,' he said. 'We went and had a look the other week but it's not open until March. My missus used to work at the bingo, that's where I met her.

'I might open my own bingo hall now I've signed a new contract! I have to say I win more regularly than she does when we go. Stacey's rubbish at bingo.'

There is precious little bling to 21-year-old Wheater and it has to be assumed that Stacey is no WAG. Indeed, Wheater — because of suspension — watched Wednesday's FA Cup replay win against Sheffield United with his family in the Riverside Stadium stands.

'I was in the West Stand with my dad and my grandad,' said centre back Wheater. 'The directors' box is not for me, it's too posh.'

Wheater's rise this season has been dramatic. Twelve months ago he was on loan at Darlington. He returned with renewed hunger, almost made himself undroppable and was key in Boro manager Gareth Southgate's decision to let Jonathan Woodgate move to Tottenham.

'I can't really believe how things have changed.' said Wheater. 'I just wanted the chance to prove myself and the manager has given me that. I came back with so much confidence from my loan.

'There was stuff about other clubs before I signed my new contract but I never wanted to go anywhere else.

'Obviously I was delighted when Jonathan left. It gives me more of a chance. He's a quality player and helped me when he was here but him going has made it easier for me to get into the team.'