A SIGN Lee Cattermole's value to the Middlesbrough first team since his emergence from the Academy will be just how much he will be missed in Basel tomorrow night.

The recently turned 18-year-old will not be on the flight to Switzerland at lunch time today because he is serving a one-match European ban, but admits he has already fulfilled a dream.

Despite his tender years Cattermole has already starred on both the domestic and UEFA Cup stages and is an automatic choice when manager Steve McClaren opts to field his strongest XI.

Up until January 2, when the Stockton-born teenager was thrown into the side to plug holes left by injuries at Newcastle, he had hardly been thought of.

Now, after performing consistently in 17 matches since the turn of the year, he is an important member of McClaren's side, ahead of the likes of experienced duo Ray Parlour and Doriva.

And Cattermole, who was part of the heroic team that secured a two-legged affair with Basel by overcoming Italian giants AS Roma, is relishing the prospect of trying to hold down his place at the club he has supported all of his life.

"It's been an amazing start to my career," said Cattermole, who tore his lateral knee ligament only 12 months ago. "A lot has happened since the Newcastle game and it's difficult to take it all in. It's a very exciting period and I am doing what I have always dreamed of.

"This time last year I went through a difficult period after my knee injury. I struggled to get back to the same level again when I started playing and I was quite worried.

"It's made me really appreciate what has happened this year. I could never have expected to play so many games this season and I have loved every minute of being involved in the first team.

"The highlight so far was definitely the Roma match. I have watched the video of the last 20 minutes of that match and they were as tense as anything I have known."

With the future of George Boateng still up in the air there is every chance that Cattermole could find himself having to fill the Dutchman's boots next season.

Boateng, free to talk to possible employers with his contract up in the summer amid interest from Milan and Feyenoord, has forged a great understanding in the middle of midfield with a player 15 years his junior.

And Cattermole, hopeful Boro can strike a deal to keep Boateng at the club, has admitted he is learning from one of the best in the business.

"I was a bit worried when George came back from his injury because I thought he might push me out of the side," said Cattermole, who is trying to model his game on former Boro and England midfielder Paul Ince.

"But we have played together well and it's good balance. George is always talking and encouraging me, I find that a big help.

"He's a really good player and I have always looked up to him. He can make me a better player because I can learn from him.

"The more games you play the more it helps your confidence. George has helped me with that, too, and I have become more mature as a person over the last few months."

Despite only playing a handful of games the Boro fans have already taken Cattermole to their hearts.

"I must admit I felt a tingle in Rome when I heard them chanting my name. It's an honour to play in games like that and we just want to carry on as far as we can in Europe," said Cattermole.

"The booking I picked up means I will miss the first leg of the Basel tie, but I will have to live with that. Fortunately I will be available for the home leg in a week's time."

As well as Boateng and Cattermole missing through suspension tomorrow skipper Gareth Southgate might not be on the plane today as he is still struggling with a calf problem.

Whoever does play will be playing in a new all white strip after being told by UEFA that there is no other alternative.

Basel play in a shirt with red and blue halves and, as Boro's two kits are of those colours, the Teessiders have had to have another strip made especially for tomorrow night.