FORMER Middlesbrough midfielder Craig Hignett was renowned for having a pretty good engine in his playing days. Now a pundit on BBC Radio Tees and an after dinner speaker, the six-toed Boro coach also has a few tales to tell about his driving history.

You can contact Craig for appearances via www.higgytalk.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @higs8. He’s on BBC Radio Tees, 95FM, between 7pm and 8pm on a Friday evening or listen in during match commentary.

WHAT was your first car?

My first car was a T-reg Ford Cortina 2.0 GL. I bought it before I passed my test for £400.

HOW many times do it take to pass your test?

It took me two goes to pass my test. The first time I drove straight through some unmarked crossroads within 30 seconds of the test starting!

WHO would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you like to go?

I have always wanted to drive Route 66 ending up in Las Vegas. I think Muhammad Ali would be my fantasy passenger for that trip.

WHAT is your dream car?

My dream car used to be a Ferrari, but as I am no longer a boy racer - and older - I’m a bit more sensible in my taste nowadays and easily pleased. I do like the Bentley Continental GT though.

HOW would you describe your driving style?

I would describe my driving style as smooth and safe. My passengers would describe it as impatient and rushed!

TELL me one driving anecdote from your past?

On my way home from a game one night on the M1 in torrential rain I aqua-planed across two lanes and managed to get my wheelarch caught on a big lorry which then pulled me backwards for a couple of hundred yards before the wheelarch snapped off. I ended up facing the wrong way on the hard shoulder - with a battered car!

WHAT is playing on your in-car iPod or CD player at the moment and why?

Nothing at the moment as my CD radio in my car is broken. I have a very broad taste in music though.

WHAT do you drive now?

I drive a Land Rover Discovery. I enjoy the outdoors and go camping so need something that can fit all the equipment in. I have driven 4x4s for the last ten years or so now. It’s maybe time for a change.